Renowned Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly decided to leave Real Madrid at the end of the 2024/25 season, despite having a contract that runs until June 2026.

According to Spanish radio station Onda Cero, which shared the news on Monday, January 20, 2025, Ancelotti’s decision appears to be final and is not influenced by the team's performance or potential trophies this season.

Despite his planned departure, Ancelotti continues to have the full support of the club's management, who have stood by him through recent challenges.

With his exit on the horizon, Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has emerged as the frontrunner to replace him.

Alonso, currently under contract with Leverkusen until June 2026, is seen as the top candidate for the Real Madrid job.

Ancelotti will depart as the most successful coach in the club’s history, having secured an impressive 15 trophies over his two tenures.

Between his first stint from 2013 to 2015 and his return in 2021, Ancelotti has guided Real Madrid to remarkable achievements, including three UEFA Champions League titles, two La Liga championships, two Copa del Rey titles, two Spanish Supercopas, three UEFA Super Cups, two FIFA Club World Cups, and an Intercontinental Cup.