Carlo Ancelotti‘s name has become synonymous with success at Real Madrid. On a cool evening in Qatar, as lights gleamed over the 3-0 victory against Pachuca in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final, he cemented his place as the most decorated manager in the club’s history. Fifteen trophies. It’s an extraordinary tally that reflects not just a career of tactical brilliance but also an unparalleled ability to foster greatness within his teams.
Ancelotti’s journey with Real Madrid is a tale of two acts. The first began in 2013, when he guided the team to La Décima, their long-awaited tenth Champions League title. By 2015, the shine had faded, and he was dismissed after a less successful second season. When he returned in 2021, his calm leadership again transformed the squad. Ancelotti redefined success at one of football’s most demanding clubs with two more Champions League titles, two La Liga crowns, and a haul of domestic and international trophies.
His 15 trophies surpass Miguel Muñoz, the legendary Madrid manager who won 14 titles from 1960 to 1974. Muñoz had been a towering figure, the architect of Madrid’s golden era, yet Ancelotti eclipsed his record in fewer years, navigating a far more competitive global football landscape.
Ancelotti: The quiet architect of modern Madrid
Ancelotti’s beauty as a manager lies in his subtlety. He isn’t fiery on the touchline or one for lengthy tactical lectures. Instead, he wields quiet influence while chewing sticks of gum. Players speak of his trust and freedom. Vinícius Júnior called him “perfect for us,” while Fede Valverde remarked, “He guides us. He’s won everything.”
The trophies tell part of the story, but Ancelotti’s records reveal another. He is the only manager to have won league titles in Europe’s “big five” leagues: Spain, Italy, Germany, England, and France. His five Champions League victories—two with AC Milan and three with Real Madrid—are unmatched. In football’s most high-pressure competition, no manager has been more consistent.
This latest triumph highlights his adaptability. The 3-nil Intercontinental Cup victory wasn’t just about tactics but about unlocking the potential of his players. Mbappé, Rodrygo, and Vinícius delivered moments of brilliance, but Ancelotti’s steady hand allowed them to shine. “We took control little by little,” he reflected. That understated sentiment perfectly captures his approach.
Over nearly three decades, Ancelotti has evolved. Where once he imposed rigid systems, he now tailors strategies to his players’ strengths. This humility, rare among elite managers, has made his success enduring.
As Madrid prepares for the Spanish Supercopa in January, Ancelotti has another chance to expand his legacy. Yet even without it, his place in football’s history is secure. For Madrid, a club defined by excellence, there has been no better architect of its modern era than Carlo Ancelotti.
