Davide Ancelotti Breaks Silence: A One-Two with Real Madrid, Alonso’s Exit, and Vinícius’ Rising Star
10 March 2026
David Ancelotti on his father’s influence and finding his own path
Davide Ancelotti, 39, broke his silence in a DAZN interview last summer after leaving Real Madrid, sharing candid reflections about his father, his own coaching path, and the club’s ongoing changes.
He had just left Botafogo after a five‑month stint that earned praise from players, staff, and fans, although injuries disrupted any chance of stability.
Following that period and the summer departure of Ancelotti’s son from Real Madrid, Davide opened up about the chapter, discussing his father Carlo, Vinícius Júnior, and Xabi Alonso’s exit in the interview.
“Yes, our personalities are similar,” he said. “In the beginning I tended to imitate him because he was my idol, but I had to learn that I am different and I do not possess the aura he had. He won five Champions Leagues.”
Alonso’s departure, Vinícius’ impact, and life in Real Madrid
He explained how he would manage a dressing room, noting that when a star player is involved, loneliness can follow. “I always believed my father was adept at approaching the star, knowing that is his role in the team.”
“The real star is the one who gives to others, lifts the overall performance, and carries big responsibility—inside and outside the pitch. Everyone expects him to win the match.”
Regarding Xabi Alonso and his departure from Real Madrid last summer, Davide said: “Coaches change. Alonso is a young coach who will have an exceptional career, and this will obviously not affect him. These things happen. I live it daily as a coach; maybe it looks shocking from the outside, but as life goes, firing is part of it.”
On Vinícius Júnior, whom he coached at Real Madrid: “He has a goal sense, he dribbles, and he creates assists. As a player I do not think Vinínius is open to outside debate.”
“His personality may be debated, but that should not distract from how decisive he is and his impact on matches; teams plan their games with him in mind.”
Punchline 1: If coaching runs in the family, does that mean the family WhatsApp group is basically a tactical briefing with emojis?
Punchline 2: And if Vinícius is the secret weapon, maybe the real strategy is keeping the scoreboard from laughing at us.
