Coaching legend Carlo Ancelotti recently unveiled his definitive list of the nine best players he’s managed during his impactful tenures at Real Madrid, sparking considerable debate among fans and pundits alike.
Legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti, the only coach to win five Champions League trophies, recently highlighted 28 players from his career, including nine stars from his two spells at Real Madrid.
Carlo Ancelotti, one of football’s most decorated managers, recently discussed the vast talent he has coached over his three-decade career, according to a report from Sports Illustrated.
Speaking on Gary Lineker’s The Rest is Football podcast, Ancelotti notably refused to pick a best XI given the sheer amount of talent he worked with during his career, instead opting to highlight 28 stars.
Of the players named in the Italian’s extensive list of standouts, nine represented Real Madrid. The Madrid contingent included goalkeepers Iker Casillas and Thibaut Courtois; defenders Sergio Ramos, Pepe, and Raphaël Varane; and central midfielders Xabi Alonso, Toni Kroos, Luka Modrić, and Casemiro.
While the list did not include any dedicated attackers, the report noted that Ancelotti has also managed other greats like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema during his time at the Bernabéu.
Ancelotti, who holds the record for winning all five top European leagues, highlighted these players as part of his staggering career résumé.
The analysis noted that Ancelotti’s Real Madrid players made up the joint-highest club contribution to the list alongside AC Milan, demonstrating the enduring impact of his time in the Spanish capital.