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Carlo Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti is an Italian football manager and former midfielder, born in Reggiolo in 1959.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Carlo Ancelotti is an Italian football manager and former midfielder, born in Reggiolo in 1959. He has managed several major European clubs, including AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Everton and Real Madrid, and in 2025 became head coach of Brazil, his first national-team role. He is widely regarded as one of the most successful managers in football history.

Early life and playing career

Ancelotti was born in Reggiolo, Italy, in 1959 and played as a midfielder for Parma, Roma and AC Milan. His playing honours included two European Cups with AC Milan and domestic league titles in Italy. He also represented Italy at two FIFA World Cups.

Managerial career

He began coaching in the mid-1990s with Reggiana, then managed Parma and Juventus before moving to AC Milan in 2001. He later coached Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Napoli and Everton. He returned to Real Madrid in 2021 and won La Liga–Champions League doubles in 2022 and 2024.

Achievements and records

Ancelotti is widely credited with record-setting success across Europe, including five UEFA Champions League titles as a manager and league titles in all five major European leagues. He is also noted for winning the Champions League as both a player and a manager, and is the only manager to have won the five major European domestic leagues.

Brazil appointment

In 2025, Ancelotti was appointed head coach of Brazil, marking the first time he has led a national team. Sources note that he was expected to lead Brazil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Key facts

  • Won two European Cups/UEFA Champions League titles as a player with AC Milan.
  • Managed top clubs in Italy, England, France, Germany and Spain.
  • Won league titles in each of Europe’s five major domestic leagues.
  • Only manager to win five UEFA Champions League titles.
  • Appointed head coach of Brazil in 2025, his first national-team role.
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Canadian context

Carlo Ancelotti is relevant to Canadian readers as one of football’s most successful managers and as a figure in international competitions that include Canada’s men’s national team and major global tournaments.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Carlo Ancelotti?
He is an Italian football manager and former midfielder known for coaching several elite European clubs and for his trophy record.
What clubs has he managed?
His major managerial roles include Reggiana, Parma, Juventus, AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Napoli and Everton.
How many Champions League titles has he won as a manager?
He has won five UEFA Champions League titles as a manager.
Did he play professional football?
Yes. He played as a midfielder for Parma, Roma and AC Milan and won major honours with AC Milan.
What is notable about his coaching record?
He is described as the only manager to have won the five major European domestic leagues and five UEFA Champions League titles.
What is his connection to Brazil?
He was appointed Brazil’s head coach in 2025, becoming the first national-team coach in his managerial career.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlo_Ancelotti
    Supports: Career timeline, return to Real Madrid in 2021, and appointment as Brazil head coach in 2025.
  2. Carlo Ancelotti official site — https://carloancelotti.it/en/bio/
    Supports: Clubs coached and claim of five UEFA Champions League titles.
  3. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Carlo-Ancelotti
    Supports: Playing career, Italy appearances, domestic honours, and early managerial background.
  4. United Nations — https://www.un.org/en/football-goals-new/carlo-ancelotti
    Supports: Overview of his coaching record, major clubs, and record-setting achievements.
  5. Real Madrid — https://www.realmadrid.com/en-US/football/first-team/players/carlo-ancelotti
    Supports: Birth details and club managerial chronology including Real Madrid, Everton, Napoli, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Juventus, Parma and Reggiana.