Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly moved to take charge of the Brazilian national team in preparation for the 2026 World Cup. This transition marks a significant moment for Real Madrid, as Ancelotti leaves the Spanish club having become its most decorated coach, securing 15 trophies, including three Champions League titles. With his tenure concluding, it`s fitting to assess Ancelotti`s impact and place him among Real Madrid`s all-time great managers. Here is a ranking of the top five coaches in Real Madrid`s history:
5. Jose Mourinho (2010-2013)
Coming in at number five is Jose Mourinho. While potentially a surprising choice for some, the Portuguese manager is widely considered among Real Madrid`s finest by a significant portion of the fanbase. His inclusion is largely attributed to winning the 2011-12 La Liga title, becoming the first coach to overcome Pep Guardiola`s dominant Barcelona side during their peak. Appointed by Florentino Perez in the summer of 2010, shortly after winning the treble with Inter Milan, `The Special One` was tasked with restoring Real Madrid`s glory and ending Barcelona`s period of dominance. In his inaugural season, he secured the Copa del Rey by defeating Barcelona in the final, followed by a remarkable league campaign the next year.
4. Vicente Del Bosque (1994, 1996, 1999-2003)
Fourth on the list is the legendary Spanish figure, Vicente Del Bosque, considered one of European football`s most iconic managers. During his time at Real Madrid, he claimed two La Liga titles and, most notably, two Champions League trophies, including the 2002 final where Zinedine Zidane scored the memorable winning goal against Bayer Leverkusen. Del Bosque also had a distinguished playing career for Real Madrid, winning five La Liga titles between 1974 and 1980. He managed the club on three separate occasions, with his most successful period beginning in 1999, initiating a highly fruitful chapter in the team`s history. He was also the first manager under Florentino Perez`s initial presidency, which began in 2000.
3. Miguel Munoz (1960-1974)
Taking the third spot is Miguel Munoz, arguably one of 20th-century Spanish football`s most iconic personalities. Munoz first served Real Madrid as a player from 1948 to 1958, winning three European Cups (Champions League). He then transitioned to management in 1960, initiating one of the club`s most triumphant periods. As coach, he secured two European Cups (1960 and 1966) and an impressive nine La Liga titles, among other honors. With 601 matches managed, he holds the record for the most games coached in Real Madrid`s history, presiding over one of the sport`s most dominant cycles.
2. Zinedine Zidane (2016-2018, 2019-2021)
In second place is Zinedine Zidane, an iconic figure both as a player and manager for the Spanish giants. His appointment by Florentino Perez in 2016 to replace Rafa Benitez initially raised some questions, as it was his first senior head coaching position, despite having won the Champions League two years prior as Carlo Ancelotti`s assistant. Zidane managed Real Madrid from 2016 to 2018 and returned for a second spell from 2019 to 2021. His most remarkable achievement was guiding the team to an unprecedented three consecutive Champions League victories between 2016 and 2018, a feat unmatched by any other manager. To date, Real Madrid remains the only club he has managed in his career.
1. Carlo Ancelotti (2013-2015, 2021-2024)
Finally, at the top of the list, is Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian is renowned as one of the most successful managers in football history, having amassed 31 major trophies across spells in Italy, France, Germany, Spain, and England. He is the only coach to have won league titles in all five major European leagues and holds the records for the most Champions League titles (five) and UEFA Super Cups (five) as a manager. Across his two tenures at Real Madrid, he has won the Champions League three times: the historic `La Decima` in 2014 against Atletico Madrid, again in 2022 versus Liverpool, and, as stated in the source text, “last year” against Borussia Dortmund in London. With a total of 15 trophies won for the club, Ancelotti stands as the most decorated manager in Real Madrid`s illustrious history.
