Real Madrid identify their top candidate to replace Carlo Ancelotti: Reports

Modified Mar 30, 2025 16:11 GMT

Real Madrid v Leganes - LaLiga EA Sports - Source: Getty

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano (via Madrid Xtra), Real Madrid have identified Xabi Alonso as Carlo Ancelotti's replacement. The report comes following rumors of Ancelotti's potential exit to join the Brazil national team.

The Italian tactician's contract with Real Madrid expires in the summer of 2026. However, multiple sources have reported that Ancelotti could not extend it and leave to take over as Brazil's manager.

Ahead of what seems to be his last season at the Bernabeu, Real Madrid have identified his long-term replacement. Alonso has proven to be a remarkable manager in recent stints.

The former Spanish midfielder guided Bayer Leverkusen to one of their most successful campaigns in history last season (2023-24). His side won the Bundesliga, going unbeaten, and the German Super Cup among other honors.

In the current campaign, Alonso has managed 42 games, with his side winning 27, drawing nine, and losing six.

Given his accomplishments in recent years, Alonso could be deemed a worthy replacement for Ancelotti. Meanwhile, Real Madrid have registered 34 wins, six draws and eight losses under Ancelotti's management this season (2024-25).

"We didn't play a bad game" - Carlo Ancelotti on Real Madrid's performance against Leganes

Real Madrid CF v CD Leganes - La Liga EA Sports - Source: Getty

The Madrid boss thought his team didn't put in a bad shift but lacked balance against Leganes. Los Blancos secured a 3-2 comeback victory against Borja Jiménez's side in LaLiga on Saturday, March 29.

In a post-match interview, Ancelotti commented on his team's performance. He said (via Madrid Xtra):

"We didn't play a bad game, but we lacked balance, and that's why we conceded two goals. We suffered a lot, and it was difficult for us to adapt to things."

After Leganes took a 2-1 lead in the first half, goals from Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe completed a 3-2 victory for Los Blancos.

Ancelotti's men have racked up 63 points from 29 games in the league, and are second behind rivals Barcelona on the table, trailing by four points. They will take on Real Sociedad in their next league game on Tuesday, April 1.

About the author

Abel is an European football journalist who focuses primarily on analysis pieces and preview copies at Sportskeeda. A B.Sc degree holder in Economics, he has a previous work experience of 3 years – a year at Opera News Hub where he was promoted as a 'Verified Sports Writer,’ and over two years at Sportskeeda as a revenue-share writer, where his writing skills have ultimately led him to be integrated into the in-house team.

A Manchester United fan who grew up in a family of Red Devils supporters, he started his journey as an ardent football fan in his childhood. He used to spend hours watching the sport with his family and developed a knack for writing about the beautiful game over the years.

He is a huge admirer of Paul Pogba owing to the midfielder's ability to thread passes from anywhere on the pitch and his favorite manager is Jose Mourinho due to the Portuguese's tactical mind. He feels France's triumph in 2018 is his all-time favorite World Cup moment, and reckons Lamine Yamal and Endrick could replicate the rivalry between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Abel always strives to verify information, especially statistics, before penning a word and offers constructive but not defamatory criticisms. Apart from Europe's top five leagues, he follows the Eredivisie and the Primeira Liga. He loves to spend his free time playing video games like EA FC and watching movies.

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Edited by Sankalp Srivastava