Carlo Ancelotti has completed his move to the Brazil national team, where he will take charge for the 2026 World Cup cycle. His departure marks a significant transition for Real Madrid, as Ancelotti leaves as the club`s most decorated manager, having secured an impressive 15 trophies, including three Champions League titles. As the club prepares for a new era, it`s timely to reflect on Ancelotti`s remarkable tenure and assess his standing among the greatest coaches in Real Madrid`s history. Let`s explore the top five managers who have led the Spanish club.
5. Jose Mourinho (2010-2013)
Perhaps a controversial choice for some, Jose Mourinho is widely regarded by many Real Madrid supporters as one of the club`s finest managers. His tenure is particularly noted for ending Pep Guardiola`s dominant Barcelona side`s La Liga run by winning the title in the 2011-12 season. Appointed in the summer of 2010 shortly after achieving the Treble with Inter Milan, Florentino Perez brought in `The Special One` to restore Real Madrid`s glory and challenge Barcelona`s supremacy. In his debut season, he secured the Copa del Rey against Barcelona, followed by a remarkable league campaign the subsequent year.
4. Vicente Del Bosque (1994, 1996, 1999-2003)
A true legend of Spanish football, Vicente Del Bosque stands as one of European football`s most iconic figures. During his time managing Real Madrid, he captured two La Liga titles and, significantly, two Champions League trophies, including the 2002 final victory over Bayer Leverkusen secured by Zinedine Zidane`s memorable volley. Del Bosque also had a distinguished playing career at Real Madrid, winning five La Liga titles between 1974 and 1980. He managed the club on three occasions, initially twice as a caretaker before commencing a highly successful spell in 1999. He was also the first manager under Florentino Perez`s initial presidency which began in 2000.
3. Miguel Munoz (1960-1974)
Likely one of the most significant figures in 20th-century Spanish football, Miguel Munoz had a profound impact on Real Madrid. He played for the club from 1948 to 1958, winning three European Cups (Champions League precursor) as a player. Transitioning to management in 1960, he initiated one of the club`s most glorious eras. As a coach, he added two more European Cups in 1960 and 1966, alongside an incredible nine La Liga titles and other honors. With 601 matches managed, he holds the record for the most games in charge of Real Madrid, presiding over one of the most dominant periods in the sport`s history.
2. Zinedine Zidane (2016-2018, 2019-2021)
The French maestro was an icon both on the field as a player and from the dugout as a manager for the Spanish giants. His appointment by Florentino Perez in 2016 to replace Rafa Benitez was met with some skepticism, as it was his first senior head coaching role, although he had won the Champions League two years prior as Carlo Ancelotti`s assistant. Zidane managed Real Madrid across two stints (2016-2018 and 2019-2021). His first spell was historic, securing an unprecedented three consecutive Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018. To date, Real Madrid remains the only senior club he has managed.
1. Carlo Ancelotti (2013-2015, 2021-2024)
And finally, Carlo Ancelotti. The esteemed Italian is recognized as one of football`s most successful managers globally, boasting 31 major trophies across leagues in Italy, France, Germany, Spain, and England. He uniquely holds the distinction of winning league titles in all of Europe`s top five leagues and is the record holder for most Champions League titles (five) and UEFA Super Cups (five) as a coach. Across his two tenures at Real Madrid, he lifted the Champions League trophy three times. His first came in 2014, securing `La Decima` (the club`s tenth European Cup) in the final against Atletico Madrid. He added further triumphs in 2022 against Liverpool and in 2024 against Borussia Dortmund in London. With a remarkable 15 trophies won at the club, Ancelotti stands as Real Madrid`s most decorated manager in history.
