Carlo Ancelotti has agreed a new contract at Real Madrid, committing him to the club until 2026.The Italian’s current deal had been due to expire next summer and uncertainty over his future lingered throughout 2023 amid persistent links to the Brazil job.

However, Real Madrid confirmed on Friday — just days before Ancelotti and the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) could have formally opened negotiations — that the 64-year-old would extend his stay until June 30, 2026.

Former CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues had repeatedly spoken of his admiration for Ancelotti, who himself expressed “pride” at the possibility of managing “one of the biggest national teams in the world”.

Sources close to Ancelotti had acknowledged since the end of 2022 that his priority was to stay with the La Liga heavyweights. Despite not distancing himself from links, the coach also said publicly that he would wait for Real to offer him an extension “until the last day”.

Ancelotti had been sounded out on the prospect of a new deal being offered if things continued positively, but he was equally aware that if results dipped, the outlook could quickly change. Real Madrid generally do not like to make any kind of definite move at this stage of a season, but in this particular scenario, they knew the strength of Brazil’s appeal to Ancelotti.

Ancelotti has been at Real since 2021, having previously managed the club from 2013 to 2015. In five seasons across two spells, he has won 10 titles including two Champions League trophies and one La Liga title, as well as two Copa del Reys.

Written by: Kelly Eric Ehor