Carlo Ancelotti was seen once again at the Santiago Bernabéu: this was the reason for his return to Madrid
The head coach of the Brazilian national team was seen at the stadium where he managed Real Madrid in two separate stints.
It feels almost surreal to acknowledge that Real Madrid has already cycled through two managers since the departure of Carlo Ancelotti in June 2025. The Italian’s second tenure at the "White House" was nothing short of legendary, securing two UEFA Champions League titles, two La Liga trophies, two FIFA Club Worlds Cups (now the Intercontinental Cup), a Copa del Rey, and a Spanish Super Cup. For many fans, this era represented the pinnacle of stability—a stability that has vanished in the months following his exit.
Why Ancelotti were at the Santiago Bernabéu?
On Friday, January 16, 2026, the 66-year-old strategist was seen back at the Santiago Bernabéu for the first time since his departure. He was there to watch Real Madrid face Levante in Matchday 20 of La Liga EA Sports, but this time, he wasn't there to give instructions from the technical area. Instead, he occupied a seat of honor in Florentino Pérez’s private box.
The Mission: Brazil’s Road to the 2026 World Cup
Ancelotti’s visit to the Spanish capital was strictly professional. Now serving as the head coach of the Brazil National Team, "Carletto" is in the final stages of scouting and preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Brazil finds itself in Group C alongside Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti, a group that demands perfection if the "Seleção" hopes to reclaim its global dominance.
The primary objective of this stop in Madrid was to monitor the current state of Vinícius Jr. The 25-year-old winger has been under immense pressure lately due to a dip in form and a massive €160 million offer from Chelsea. With Rodrygo Goes left out of the squad for this specific match, Ancelotti focused his tactical lens entirely on Vini, hoping to see the spark that made him a world-beater under his guidance.
The "Spy" in San Sebastián
Ancelotti’s scouting tour of Spain does not end in Madrid. On Sunday, January 18, he is expected to travel to San Sebastián to watch Real Sociedad take on FC Barcelona. In a move that feels strange to many Madridistas, Ancelotti will be closely observing a Barcelona player: Raphinha.
The Barça winger has been in spectacular form under Hansi Flick, and Ancelotti knows that for Brazil to succeed in June, he needs his "Spanish-based" stars to be in peak physical and mental condition. Watching his former "eternal rival" is a necessary irony in his quest to bring the sixth star to the Brazilian crest.
Witnessing the "Bernabéu Fire"
Perhaps the most striking part of Ancelotti’s return was the atmosphere he encountered. The same fans who chanted his name during his two successful stints were now turning their fury toward the pitch. Ancelotti sat in the box as the stadium erupted in whistles and boos directed at the starting lineup—specifically at Vinícius and Jude Bellingham.
He also witnessed the unprecedented "Florentino, Resign" chants that broke out during the pre-match presentation. While Real Madrid managed to secure a 2-0 victory over Levante to calm the waters momentarily, the tension Ancelotti witnessed was a stark reminder of how much the club’s "peace" depended on his steady hand.
The European Tour Continues
This visit to Spain is merely the first leg of a comprehensive European tour. Ancelotti is scheduled to visit England and France in the coming weeks to meet with the core of the Brazilian squad playing in the Premier League and Ligue 1. With a 26-man roster to finalize for the summer, Ancelotti is leaving nothing to chance.
For the fans at the Bernabéu, seeing Ancelotti in the stands was a nostalgic reminder of better times. For Ancelotti, it was a data-gathering mission. But for the players on the pitch, it was a reminder that the eyes of the world—and their national team manager—are watching their every move during this turbulent period.
