Carlo Ancelotti aka Don Carlo is a highly respected football manager known for his tactical acumen and success with top clubs like AC Milan, Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich.
He’s won numerous league titles and Champions League trophies throughout his career, earning a reputation as one of the most accomplished managers in the sport.
Early life and Education
Carlo Ancelotti was born on June 10, 1959, in Reggiolo, Italy. He grew up in a small town near Parma. Ancelotti began playing football at a young age and eventually pursued a professional career as a midfielder. While his formal education details aren’t widely discussed, his focus was primarily on football from an early age. His upbringing in Italy’s football culture likely played a significant role in shaping his career path.
Career
Carlo Ancelotti had a distinguished playing career primarily as a midfielder. He started his professional career with Parma in 1976 before moving to Roma in 1979, where he became a key player for the club. Ancelotti also represented the Italian national team, earning 26 caps and participating in the 1986 World Cup. He later played for clubs such as Milan, where he experienced significant success, winning Serie A titles and European trophies. Ancelotti retired as a player in 1992 after a career marked by tactical intelligence and leadership on the field.
Carlo Ancelotti transitioned seamlessly into coaching following his playing career. He began his managerial journey in the early 1990s and quickly made a name for himself with his tactical prowess and ability to manage top-level players. Ancelotti’s coaching career includes successful stints at clubs such as AC Milan, where he won multiple Serie A titles and Champions League trophies, and Real Madrid, where he claimed La Liga and Champions League glory. He’s also managed Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Everton, showcasing his adaptability and skill across different leagues. Ancelotti’s coaching philosophy emphasizes a balanced approach, focusing on both defensive solidity and attacking flair. His impressive track record has solidified his status as one of the most respected and accomplished managers in football history.
Style
Ancelotti’s coaching style is characterized by adaptability, tactical astuteness, and a calm demeanor. He prioritizes a balanced approach that combines defensive solidity with attacking flair, allowing his teams to be versatile and effective in different situations.
Ancelotti’s tactical flexibility is evident in his willingness to adjust formations and strategies based on the strengths of his players and the specific challenges posed by opponents. He is known for his meticulous preparation and attention to detail, ensuring that his teams are well-drilled and organized on the field.
One of Ancelotti’s key strengths is his excellent man-management skills. He has a knack for building strong relationships with his players, earning their trust and respect through open communication and mutual understanding. This enables him to create a positive team culture and foster unity within the squad.
Despite the pressures of high-level coaching, Ancelotti maintains a calm and composed demeanor on the sidelines. His ability to stay level-headed under pressure instills confidence in his players and allows them to perform at their best in crucial moments.
Personal life
He has two children, Katia and Davide, who has been his assistant coach at both Everton and Real Madrid. Ancelotti’s autobiography, “Preferisco la Coppa,” was published in May 2009, with proceeds supporting research on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
During his tenure at Chelsea, Ancelotti faced emotional challenges as he regularly traveled back to Italy to care for his ailing father, who eventually passed away in 2010. In January 2019, he became a grandfather to twins.
Ancelotti has shown resilience in the face of personal hardships, balancing his family responsibilities with his professional duties.
In addition to his coaching career, Ancelotti’s commitment to philanthropy and academia is evident. He received an honorary doctorate from the University of Parma in October 2023 for his research in “Sciences and Techniques of Preventive and Adapted Motor Activities.”
Despite facing adversity, such as a burglary at his home in 2021 and being mentioned in the Pandora Papers, Ancelotti’s focus on family, football, and giving back remains unwavering.
Accolades and Individual Accomplishments 
Carlo Ancelotti’s illustrious career as both a player and manager is marked by numerous domestic and international trophies.
As a Player
Roma
– Serie A: 1982–83
– Coppa Italia: 1979–80, 1980–81, 1983–84, 1985–86
AC Milan
– Serie A: 1987–88, 1991–92
– Supercoppa Italiana: 1988
– European Cup: 1988–89, 1989–90
– European Super Cup: 1990
– Intercontinental Cup: 1989
Italy
– FIFA World Cup third place: 1990
As a Coach
Juventus
– UEFA Intertoto Cup: 1999
AC Milan
– Serie A: 2003–04
– Coppa Italia: 2002–03
– Supercoppa Italiana: 2004
– UEFA Champions League: 2002–03, 2006–07
– UEFA Super Cup: 2003, 2007
– FIFA Club World Cup: 2007
Chelsea
– Premier League: 2009–10
– FA Cup: 2009–10
– FA Community Shield: 2009
PSG
– Ligue 1: 2012–13
Real Madrid
– La Liga: 2021–22, 2023–24
– Copa del Rey: 2013–14, 2022–23
– Supercopa de España: 2021–22, 2023–24
– UEFA Champions League: 2013–14, 2021–22
– UEFA Super Cup: 2014, 2022
– FIFA Club World Cup: 2014, 2022
Bayern Munich
– Bundesliga: 2016–17
– DFL-Supercup: 2016, 2017
Awards as a Coach
– Serie A Coach of the Year: 2001, 2004
– Panchina d’Oro (Golden Bench): 2002–03, 2003–04
– Ligue 1 Coach of the Year: 2012–13 (joint)
– IFFHS World’s Best Club Coach: 2007, 2014, 2022
– UEFA Men’s Coach of the Year: 2021–22
– Globe Soccer Awards Best Coach of the Year: 2014, 2022
– Onze d’Or Coach of the Year: 2021–22
– Premier League Manager of the Month: November 2009, August 2010, March 2011, April 2011, September 2020
– La Liga Manager of the Month: October 2014, April 2015, August 2023, April 2024
– Globe Soccer Awards Best Media Attraction in Football: 2014
– Enzo Bearzot Award: 2014
– FIFA World Coach of the Year runner-up: 2014
– Miguel Muñoz Trophy: 2014–15
– AS Roma Hall of Fame: 2014
– Italian Football Hall of Fame: 2015
– AC Milan Hall of Fame
Orders
– Cavaliere Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana (Order of Merit of the Italian Republic): Knight – 5th Class: 1991
– Cavaliere dell’Ordine della Stella d’Italia (Order of the Star of Italy): Officer – 4th Class: 2014