Carlo Ancelotti became the most successful manager in the history of Real Madrid on Wednesday, as the team’s 3-0 victory over Pachuca in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final secured his 15th trophy with the club.
In two tenures at the helm of Madrid — between 2013 and 2015, and since 2021 — the Italian strategist has won three Champions League titles, two La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey trophies, two Spanish Super Cups, three UEFA Super Cups, two Club World Cups, and now the Intercontinental Cup.
The previous record was held by Madrid’s legendary coach Miguel Munoz, who spent 14 years in charge between 1960 and 1974, winning two European Cups, nine league titles, two Copa del Rey trophies, and one Intercontinental Cup.
Ancelotti equaled Munoz’s record in August when Madrid won the UEFA Super Cup, defeating Atalanta 2-0.
He will have the chance to further expand his trophy collection in January when Madrid participates in the Spanish Super Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
They will face Mallorca in the semifinals on January 9, ahead of a potential final against Barcelona or Athletic Bilbao three days later.
Ancelotti initially joined Madrid in June 2013, winning the Champions League in his first season before being dismissed in May 2015 following a less successful second campaign.
He made a surprise return to the club in June 2021 and has since won La Liga and the Champions League in 2022 and 2024.
The veteran Italian holds a series of records after a 30-year career as a manager. He is the only coach to have won league titles in Europe’s ‘big five’ leagues – in Spain with Real Madrid, in Italy with AC Milan, in Germany with Bayern Munich, in England with Chelsea, and in France with Paris Saint-Germain.
Ancelotti is also the only coach to have won five Champions League titles, having won the competition twice as AC Milan’s manager in 2003 and 2007.
