Carlo Ancelotti is a highly acclaimed Italian football manager and former player, currently managing Real Madrid. Widely considered one of the greatest managers ever, he holds the record for most UEFA Champions League titles (four) and is the only person to manage in six Champions League finals. As a player for AC Milan, he won the European Cup twice (1989, 1990), making him one of seven to achieve this feat both as a player and manager. Notably, he's also the sole manager to win league titles in all of Europe's top five leagues. His impressive accolades include three FIFA Club World Cup titles and a joint-record four UEFA Super Cup victories with Milan and Real Madrid.
June 1959: Birth of Carlo Ancelotti
Carlo Ancelotti was born in June 1959.
1962: Chelsea's Record-Breaking Goal Tally
Chelsea, under Ancelotti, became the first team since Tottenham Hotspur in the 1962–63 season to score over 100 goals in a top-flight English season.
1974: Ancelotti Kicks Off His Football Career with Parma
Carlo Ancelotti's football journey began in 1974 when he joined Parma.
1976: Ancelotti's Professional Debut in Serie C
At the age of 18, Carlo Ancelotti made his professional debut in Serie C during the 1976-1977 season.
1978: Ancelotti's Instrumental Role in Parma's Promotion Push
Carlo Ancelotti played a key role in Parma's pursuit of promotion during the 1978-1979 season, showcasing his goal-scoring prowess.
1979: Ancelotti's Move to Roma and Serie A Debut
In 1979, Carlo Ancelotti transferred to Roma, marking his debut in Serie A.
1980: Ancelotti's Coppa Italia Success with Roma
Carlo Ancelotti celebrated his first Coppa Italia title with Roma in 1980.
1980: Ancelotti's Debut for the Italian National Team
Carlo Ancelotti's performances earned him a call-up to the Italian national team in 1980, marking the beginning of his international career.
January 1981: Ancelotti's International Debut and Only Goal for Italy
On January 6, 1981, Carlo Ancelotti made his debut for the Italian national team and scored his first and only international goal in a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands during the 1980 World Champions' Gold Cup.
1981: Ancelotti's Coppa Italia Triumph and Second-Place Finish in Serie A
In 1981, Carlo Ancelotti added another Coppa Italia title to his name with Roma. The team also finished as runners-up in Serie A.
1982: Ancelotti and Roma Secure Third Place in Serie A
Carlo Ancelotti contributed to Roma's third-place finish in the Serie A standings during the 1982 season.
1982: Ancelotti Misses 1982 World Cup Due to Injury
Despite being a strong contender for a spot in Italy's 1982 World Cup squad, Carlo Ancelotti was unfortunately sidelined due to a severe knee injury, forcing him to miss the tournament. Italy went on to win the World Cup without him.
1983: Ancelotti's Historic Serie A Title with Roma
A momentous year for Carlo Ancelotti as he played a vital role in Roma's historic Serie A championship victory in 1983, marking only the second time the club achieved this feat.
1984: Ancelotti's Coppa Italia Victory and European Cup Final Heartbreak
In 1984, Carlo Ancelotti experienced both triumph and disappointment. He added another Coppa Italia title to his collection with Roma, but unfortunately missed the European Cup final due to injury, where the team faced defeat against Liverpool in a penalty shootout at their home ground, the Stadio Olimpico.
1985: Ancelotti Assumes Captaincy at Roma
Carlo Ancelotti's leadership qualities were recognized as he was appointed captain of Roma in 1985 under the guidance of new manager Sven-Göran Eriksson.
1986: Ancelotti's Coppa Italia Triumph and Second-Place Finish in Serie A
Carlo Ancelotti experienced a mix of triumph and near miss in 1986. He lifted the Coppa Italia trophy with Roma but narrowly missed out on the Serie A title, with the team finishing as runners-up to Juventus.
1986: 1986 FIFA World Cup
In 1986, Carlo Ancelotti was selected for Italy's World Cup squad. However, due to altitude-related fitness struggles, both he and Paolo Rossi lost their spots to Fernando De Napoli and Giuseppe Galderisi, respectively. As a result, Ancelotti did not play in any of the tournament's matches.
1987: Ancelotti Joins AC Milan
Carlo Ancelotti joined AC Milan, marking a significant move in his career.
1988: UEFA Euro 1988 and Olympic Setback
In 1988, Ancelotti played a key role in Italy's journey to the UEFA Euro 1988 semi-finals under manager Azeglio Vicini. He was also chosen to represent Italy at the Seoul Summer Olympics but a right knee meniscus injury forced him to withdraw. Italy finished fourth in the tournament.
1989: Ancelotti's Previous Champions League Wins as a Player
Ancelotti's victory in the 2007 Champions League with AC Milan marked his fourth title overall, having won it twice as a player for the same club in 1989 and 1990.
1989: Ancelotti's European Cup Triumph with AC Milan
Carlo Ancelotti celebrated a memorable European Cup victory with AC Milan in 1989.
1989: Ancelotti's First European Cup Victory with AC Milan
In 1989, Carlo Ancelotti was an integral part of the AC Milan team that won the European Cup.
1990: Ancelotti's Previous Champions League Wins as a Player
Ancelotti's victory in the 2007 Champions League with AC Milan marked his fourth title overall, having won it twice as a player for the same club in 1989 and 1990.
1990: Ancelotti's Back-to-Back European Cup Victory with AC Milan
Carlo Ancelotti was part of the AC Milan team that achieved back-to-back European Cup victories in 1989 and 1990.
1991: Retirement from International Football
In 1991, after earning 26 caps with the Italian national team, Carlo Ancelotti announced his retirement from international football. His final appearance for Italy was under manager Arrigo Sacchi.
May 1992: Ancelotti's Final Match and Goal-Scoring Farewell
On May 17, 1992, Carlo Ancelotti played his final match for AC Milan, marking the end of his playing career. In a fitting farewell, he came off the bench in a 4-0 home win against Hellas Verona, scoring two goals and receiving a heartfelt ovation from the fans.
1992: Begins Coaching Journey
Carlo Ancelotti began his coaching journey in 1992, serving as an assistant manager under Arrigo Sacchi for the Italian national team.
1992: Ancelotti's Time with AC Milan
Carlo Ancelotti was part of AC Milan from 1987 to 1992.
1992: Retirement from Professional Football
In 1992, at the age of 33, Carlo Ancelotti was forced to retire from professional football due to persistent injuries that limited his playing time.
1994: Reaches World Cup Final as Assistant Coach
In 1994, Ancelotti, serving as assistant coach, helped guide the Italian national team to the World Cup final.
1995: Managerial Debut with Reggiana
Ancelotti's managerial career began in the 1995-1996 season with Serie B side Reggiana. He successfully steered the team to Serie A promotion.
1995: Ancelotti Embarks on His Managerial Journey
Carlo Ancelotti began his managerial career in 1995, working with Reggiana, Parma, and Juventus.
1996: Ancelotti Joins Parma
Ancelotti joined Parma in 1996, inheriting a team with a legacy of success. He implemented a strict 4-4-2 system inspired by Arrigo Sacchi, leading to significant tactical changes and player adjustments. Despite a 3-1 Coppa Italia debut loss against Pescara, he led Parma to a second-place finish in Serie A, securing Champions League qualification.
1997: Challenges and Dismissal at Parma
In 1997, Ancelotti made the controversial decision to block the signing of Roberto Baggio, believing he wouldn't fit his tactical vision. The decision, later regretted by Ancelotti himself, reflected his strong belief in the 4-4-2 system. Despite a Champions League first-round exit and a Coppa Italia semi-final appearance, Ancelotti led Parma to sixth place in Serie A and UEFA Cup qualification. However, he was dismissed at season's end.
1997: Early Coaching Style and Formation Preferences
In 1997, while coaching Parma, Ancelotti favored a rigid 4–4–2 formation, influenced by Arrigo Sacchi's tactics, emphasizing heavy pressing. However, this formation limited the effectiveness of creative forwards like Gianfranco Zola, Hristo Stoichkov, and Roberto Baggio. Consequently, Zola and Stoichkov left the club, and Baggio's transfer to Parma was hindered.
1998: Champions League Run and Serie A Struggles
During the 1998-1999 season, Ancelotti's Juventus reached the Champions League semi-finals but lost to eventual winners Manchester United. They finished seventh in Serie A, missing out on Champions League qualification.
February 1999: Ancelotti Takes Charge at Juventus
In February 1999, Ancelotti was appointed as the manager of Juventus, succeeding Marcello Lippi.
1999: Inheriting a Trophyless Milan
Ancelotti inherited a Milan team that had not won a major trophy since their Scudetto victory in 1999. His arrival marked a turning point as he aimed to restore the Rossoneri to their former glory.
2000: Tactical Shift and Key Player Decisions
In the 2000-2001 season, Ancelotti faced criticism for his defensive tactics. He responded by implementing a more creative playing style, making significant changes to the squad. Ancelotti made Dida his starting goalkeeper despite past errors, repositioned Andrea Pirlo as a deep-lying playmaker, and benefited from the potent striking partnership of Filippo Inzaghi and Andriy Shevchenko.
June 2001: Departure from Juventus
Juventus announced Ancelotti's departure at halftime of the final league game against Atalanta on June 17, 2001, despite still being in contention for the title. Juventus won 2-1, but it wasn't enough to surpass Roma.
November 2001: Ancelotti Takes the Helm at Milan
Ancelotti was appointed as the manager of AC Milan on November 5, 2001, following the dismissal of Fatih Terim due to poor performance.
2001: Ancelotti Takes Charge as Manager of AC Milan
A pivotal year for Carlo Ancelotti as he was appointed manager of AC Milan in 2001.
2002: Chelsea Equalling Arsenal's FA Cup Record
Chelsea's FA Cup win in 2010 marked their third in four years, equaling the record set by Arsenal between 2002 and 2005.
2002: Ancelotti Leads AC Milan to Champions League and Coppa Italia Glory
In 2002, Carlo Ancelotti guided AC Milan to victories in both the Champions League and Coppa Italia.
2003: AC Milan's Victories and Defeats under Ancelotti
In 2003, Ancelotti's AC Milan secured victories in the Champions League and Coppa Italia, but faced defeats in the Supercoppa Italiana and Intercontinental Cup.
2004: AC Milan's Dominant Season and Disappointments
Ancelotti guided AC Milan to a record-breaking Scudetto win in 2004, along with the UEFA Super Cup, but experienced penalty shootout losses in the Supercoppa Italiana and Intercontinental Cup.
2005: Chelsea Equalling Arsenal's FA Cup Record
Chelsea's FA Cup win in 2010 marked their third in four years, equaling the record set by Arsenal between 2002 and 2005.
2006: Developing the "Christmas Tree" Formation
Following Andriy Shevchenko's departure in the 2006-07 season, Ancelotti restructured AC Milan's lineup, creating the 4–3–2–1 formation that became known as the "Christmas Tree." This system utilized a lone striker, supported by two attacking midfielders, with Andrea Pirlo serving as the deep-lying playmaker in a three-man midfield.
June 2008: Personal Life and Relationships
In June 2008, Ancelotti's son, Davide, joined Borgomanero after playing in AC Milan's youth system. That same year, Ancelotti revealed his separation from his wife of 25 years, Luisa Gibellini, and confirmed his relationship with Romanian Marina Crețu.
2008: Ancelotti Departs as AC Milan's Longest-Serving Manager
After a successful tenure, Carlo Ancelotti stepped down as manager of AC Milan in 2008, leaving as the club's longest-serving manager in a single spell.
May 2009: Publication of Ancelotti's Autobiography, "Preferisco la Coppa"
In May 2009, Carlo Ancelotti's autobiography, titled "Preferisco la Coppa" ("I Prefer the Cup"), was published. The book's title is a play on the Italian word "coppa," which refers to both a cup and a type of cured meat from Ancelotti's native Emilia-Romagna. All proceeds from the book's sales were donated to the Fondazione Stefano Borgonovo to fund research on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
June 2009: Ancelotti Becomes Chelsea's Manager
Ancelotti was appointed as Chelsea's new manager in June 2009, succeeding Guus Hiddink, and becoming the club's third Italian manager.
August 2009: Ancelotti's Early Wins and Losses with Chelsea
Ancelotti secured his first trophy with Chelsea, the Community Shield, in August 2009, followed by a league victory and a loss. He also experienced a League Cup quarter-final exit.
2009: Tactical Adaptability at Chelsea
During his time at Chelsea in the 2009-10 season, Ancelotti showcased tactical flexibility by employing the 4–4–2 diamond formation and his "Christmas Tree" formation depending on player availability. He also experimented with 4–2–3–1 and 4–3–3 formations to optimize his creative players.
2009: Ancelotti Takes the Helm at Chelsea, Achieving Domestic Double
Carlo Ancelotti's tenure at Chelsea began in 2009, leading the team to a domestic double by winning both the Premier League and FA Cup in his first season.
March 2010: Chelsea's Champions League Exit under Ancelotti
Ancelotti's Chelsea faced elimination from the Champions League in March 2010, losing to Inter Milan, managed by his former rival José Mourinho.
May 2010: Chelsea's Premier League and FA Cup Triumph under Ancelotti
Ancelotti guided Chelsea to a historic Premier League title win in May 2010, setting a scoring record and achieving the first domestic double for the club by winning the FA Cup.
September 2010: Chelsea's Strong Start and First Losses under Ancelotti
Chelsea, led by Ancelotti, had a strong start to the 2010-11 season with consecutive wins, but experienced their first losses in the League Cup and Premier League in September 2010.
September 2010: Ancelotti's Father Passes Away
In September 2010, Carlo Ancelotti's father passed away at the age of 87. Ancelotti's father had been battling diabetes and other health issues, requiring Ancelotti to travel back to Italy frequently during his last season with Chelsea to visit him.
October 2010: Chelsea's Victory over Arsenal and European Performance
Ancelotti's Chelsea secured a victory against Arsenal in October 2010 and showcased a strong performance in the Champions League group stage.
November 2010: Chelsea Suffers Defeats Under Ancelotti's Leadership
In November 2010, Chelsea, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, faced a series of defeats, including losses against Liverpool and Sunderland, marking a challenging period for the team.
January 2011: Chelsea's Struggles Continue with Defeat and Transfer Activity
Chelsea's struggles continued in January 2011 with a defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers, prompting Ancelotti to acknowledge the team's difficulties. This period also saw significant transfer activity, including the acquisition of Fernando Torres.
January 2011: Chelsea Makes Key Signings and Faces Mixed Results
In January 2011, Chelsea, under Ancelotti's management, made significant signings, bringing in Fernando Torres and David Luiz. The team experienced mixed results, with a loss against Liverpool but a victory against Manchester United.
May 2011: Ancelotti Departs Chelsea After Second-Place Finish
Carlo Ancelotti was let go from Chelsea in May 2011 following a loss in their final Premier League game and a second-place finish in the league. Despite his departure, he left with a commendable win percentage.
December 2011: Ancelotti Takes Charge at Paris Saint-Germain
Carlo Ancelotti was named the new manager of Paris Saint-Germain in December 2011, marking the start of his tenure with the French club.
2011: Ancelotti Joins Paris Saint-Germain
Carlo Ancelotti was appointed as the manager of French club Paris Saint-Germain in 2011.
2011: Relationship with Mariann Barrena McClay
Ancelotti's relationship with Canadian businesswoman Mariann Barrena McClay became public in 2011.
March 2012: Ancelotti Experiences First Defeats with PSG
March 2012 saw Carlo Ancelotti face his initial defeats as PSG manager, both in the Coupe de France and Ligue 1, highlighting the challenges he encountered in a new league.
May 2013: Ancelotti Guides PSG to Ligue 1 Title and Seeks New Opportunity
In May 2013, Carlo Ancelotti achieved success with PSG, leading them to the Ligue 1 title. However, he expressed his desire to leave and pursue a new challenge, setting the stage for his departure.
June 2013: Ancelotti Takes Helm at Real Madrid, Ushering in New Era
Carlo Ancelotti's appointment as Real Madrid's manager in June 2013, succeeding José Mourinho, marked a new chapter for the club. He brought in Zinedine Zidane and Paul Clement as his assistants and oversaw significant player transfers, including the arrival of Gareth Bale.
August 2013: Ancelotti's Real Madrid Starts Strong with a Win and Tactical Shift
Real Madrid, under Ancelotti's guidance, started the season victoriously in August 2013 with a win against Real Betis. Ancelotti introduced tactical changes, employing a 4-3-3 formation to optimize the team's performance.
April 2014: Ancelotti Secures First Major Trophy with Real Madrid's Copa del Rey Triumph
Carlo Ancelotti celebrated a significant milestone in April 2014 as he guided Real Madrid to victory in the Copa del Rey final, marking his first major trophy with the club.
July 2014: Marriage to Mariann Barrena McClay
Ancelotti married Canadian businesswoman Mariann Barrena McClay in a ceremony held in Vancouver in July 2014.
December 2014: Ancelotti Leads Real Madrid to Club World Cup Glory and Earns Recognition
Carlo Ancelotti achieved further success with Real Madrid in December 2014, guiding them to their first FIFA Club World Cup title, a testament to his managerial prowess. He was also acknowledged with a nomination for the FIFA World Coach of the Year Award.
2014: Ancelotti Receives Miguel Muñoz Trophy
Carlo Ancelotti's exceptional managerial performance earned him the Miguel Muñoz Trophy in the 2014-2015 season, recognizing him as the best performing manager in La Liga.
2014: Ancelotti's Regret over 4-4-2 Formation
In a 2014 interview, Ancelotti confessed to Simon Kuper of the Financial Times that he regretted prioritizing the 4–4–2 formation over signing Roberto Baggio for Parma in the 1997-98 season.
January 2015: Ancelotti Honored with Hall of Fame Induction and Coaching Award
Carlo Ancelotti received prestigious accolades in January 2015, including induction into the Italian Football Hall of Fame and recognition as The World's Best Club Coach by IFFHS.
May 2015: Ancelotti's Departure from Real Madrid
Despite achieving success, Carlo Ancelotti was dismissed from his position as manager of Real Madrid in May 2015.
May 2015: Ancelotti's Tenure at Real Madrid Ends Despite Success
Despite a successful period at Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti's time with the club concluded in May 2015. The decision, attributed to the club's high expectations, marked the end of an era.
December 2015: Ancelotti Hired to Manage Bayern Munich
In December 2015, Carlo Ancelotti signed a three-year contract to replace Pep Guardiola as the manager for Bayern Munich starting in the 2016-17 season.
July 2016: Ancelotti Begins Tenure at Bayern Munich
Ancelotti officially began his managerial role at Bayern Munich in July 2016, conducting his first training session and overseeing pre-season matches, including a win against his predecessor's team, Manchester City.
August 2016: Ancelotti's Early Success at Bayern Munich
Ancelotti's Bayern Munich kicked off the season strong in August 2016, winning the DFL-Supercup against Borussia Dortmund and starting their Bundesliga campaign with an impressive eight-game winning streak.
2016: Ancelotti Takes Charge of Bayern Munich
Carlo Ancelotti's managerial journey led him to Bayern Munich, where he was appointed as manager in 2016.
August 2017: Ancelotti Secures Another DFL-Supercup
Bayern Munich, under Ancelotti's leadership, won the DFL-Supercup in August 2017, marking their sixth time claiming this title.
September 2017: Ancelotti Dismissed from Bayern Munich
Following a 3-0 loss against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and reports of discord within the team, Ancelotti was dismissed as Bayern Munich's manager in September 2017.
May 2018: Ancelotti Takes Charge at Napoli
Carlo Ancelotti was appointed as the head coach for Napoli in May 2018, marking his return to Serie A after signing a three-year contract.
2018: Ancelotti Embarks on New Challenges with Napoli and Everton
In 2018, Carlo Ancelotti took on new managerial roles, first with Napoli and later with Everton.
January 2019: Ancelotti Becomes a Grandfather of Twins
Carlo Ancelotti became a grandfather in January 2019 when his son, Davide, and his wife, Ana Galocha, welcomed twins.
December 2019: Ancelotti Joins Everton
Carlo Ancelotti was appointed as the manager of Everton in December 2019, signing a four-and-a-half-year contract and securing a victory in his first match.
December 2019: Ancelotti's Tenure at Napoli Ends
Despite a victory against Genk in the Champions League, Napoli's poor league form led to Ancelotti's dismissal as manager in December 2019.
March 2020: Ancelotti Receives Red Card
Ancelotti was shown a red card after a controversial VAR decision in a match against Manchester United in March 2020, leading to an FA misconduct charge.
2020: Ancelotti's Second Season at Everton
Ancelotti led Everton to a strong start in the 2020-21 season, earning him the Premier League Manager of the Month award, but the team's performance later wavered, resulting in a tenth-place finish.
February 2021: Ancelotti's Home Burglarized
In February 2021, Carlo Ancelotti's home in Crosby was burglarized. Two individuals in black clothing and balaclavas stole a safe from the property. The safe was later found abandoned and emptied in a Thornton parking lot.
June 2021: Ancelotti Returns to Real Madrid
Ancelotti rejoined Real Madrid as manager in June 2021 following Zinedine Zidane's departure, signing a contract until 2024.
September 2021: Ancelotti Reaches 800 League Matches Milestone
By September 2021, Ancelotti achieved a significant milestone in his managerial career, participating in 800 league matches across Europe's top five leagues.
2021: Ancelotti Returns to Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti made a return to Real Madrid as manager in the summer of 2021.
November 2022: Ancelotti Breaks Champions League Win Record
Ancelotti surpassed Sir Alex Ferguson's record for most Champions League victories in November 2022 after Real Madrid defeated Celtic.
2022: Ancelotti's Historic Success with Real Madrid
In 2022, Ancelotti made history by becoming the first manager to win all six major European trophies and all five top European leagues. He also guided Real Madrid to their 14th Champions League title, marking his fourth Champions League victory and a second while managing the club.
2022: Ancelotti Achieves La Liga and Champions League Double with Real Madrid
In 2022, Carlo Ancelotti guided Real Madrid to a historic double, securing both the La Liga title and the Champions League trophy.
2022: Evolving Coaching Philosophy and Adaptability
In 2022, during his second term at Real Madrid, Ancelotti received acclaim for his balanced approach, adaptability, and exceptional man-management skills, especially his knack for fostering strong player relationships and involving them in tactical discussions. He acknowledged the need to adjust his coaching style in response to the evolving game while emphasizing the enduring importance of player relationships.
February 2023: Real Madrid Wins FIFA Club World Cup
Under Ancelotti's guidance, Real Madrid won their fifth FIFA Club World Cup title in February 2023, defeating Al Hilal in the final.
September 2023: Record-Breaking Wins at Real Madrid
In September 2023, Ancelotti led Real Madrid to a successful start in the La Liga, winning the first three matches and earning him the title of La Liga's Coach of the Month in August. His victory against Real Sociedad on September 17th marked his 173rd win as Real Madrid's coach, surpassing Zinedine Zidane's record.
October 2023: Ancelotti Receives Honorary Doctorate
In October 2023, Carlo Ancelotti was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Parma for his research in "Sciences and Techniques of Preventive and Adapted Motor Activities."
2023: Ancelotti's Coaching Approach: Balancing Simplicity with Player Creativity
Ancelotti articulated his coaching perspective, emphasizing simplicity and player freedom in 2023. He expressed concerns that some contemporary coaches stifle players' creativity by providing excessive information, contrasting his approach of encouraging individual interpretation and improvisation on the field. Despite criticisms of being "old school," he pointed to his longevity and consistent success as evidence of his adaptability.
2023: Importance of Player Management
Ancelotti emphasized the significance of player management over tactics leading up to Real Madrid's 2023-24 UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg against Bayern Munich in 2023.
April 2024: Champions League Milestones and La Liga Title
Ancelotti achieved several milestones in April 2024, including becoming the first manager to make 200 appearances in the UEFA Champions League during a quarter-final draw against Manchester City. He then guided Real Madrid to victory over Manchester City in the semi-finals, tying Pep Guardiola's record of reaching ten Champions League semi-finals. Furthermore, Real Madrid secured the La Liga title under his leadership, marking his twelfth title with the club and placing him second to Miguel Muñoz in the club's history. He also reached his sixth Champions League final, a new record.
2024: Ancelotti's Contract End Date with Real Madrid
Ancelotti's current contract with Real Madrid is set to expire in 2024.
June 2026: Contract Extension with Real Madrid
Despite being a potential candidate for the Brazilian national team's head coach position, Ancelotti chose to extend his contract with Real Madrid until June 2026. This decision solidified his commitment to the club and hinted at his future endeavors.