Carlo Ancelotti tipped to quit Real Madrid at end of the season | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti will reportedly step down as Real Madrid coach at the end of this season, despite having a contract with the club until the summer of 2026.

Ancelotti, who has delivered two La Liga and Champions League doubles since returning to the Spanish capital in 2021, signed a new deal with the club in 2023. It came at a time when he was nearing the end of his previous contract and was being heavily and publicly courted by the Brazil men's national team.

But, just over a year later, the legendary Italian boss may call time on his second Bernabeu stint.

The report comes from Spanish radio station Onda Cero, claiming that Ancelotti has already made up his mind that this season will be his last with Madrid. Even if the campaign finishes with more trophies and the hierarchy insist that he continues, the 65-year-old would walk away.

Ancelotti was wanted by Brazil throughout 2023 / Quality Sport Images/GettyImages

It won't be so that he can retire, but Ancelotti is reported to be interested in taking his career to another new country - he has worked in Italy, England, France, Spain and Germany to date.

That does not necessarily mean Brazil, although it could certainly still be possible if the Selecao continue to underwhelm in 2026 World Cup qualification under Dorival Junior. The ambitious Saudi Pro League would undoubtedly be linked if Ancelotti were to become available any time soon.

When it comes to replacements, Onda Cero notes that former Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso is "the favourite". The 2014 Champions League winner has shown his ability as a coach with his feats at Bayer Leverkusen, rejecting Liverpool last summer to remain in Germany.

Although Madrid have brought in Kylian Mbappe and the likes of Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga and Rodrygo are yet to hit their peak years, it feels like a new chapter needs to start. Toni Kroos has already left, while Luka Modric will turn 40 in September, and Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, David Alaba and Lucas Vazquez are all the wrong side of 30.