Real Madrid have enjoyed exceptional success under Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane. But which of these two coaches can be considered the best? To find out, we compared their management styles, their titles and their relationships with the players.
Carlo Ancelotti is known for his calmness. He prefers to let the players express their talent on the pitch. He has an adaptive style and emphasises team balance. Under his leadership, Real Madrid have won several major titles, including the ‘Decima’, the tenth Champions League in 2014. This success marked a turning point in the club’s history.
The Transalpine coach is now the most successful coach in Real Madrid’s history, with a total of 15 trophies. He is ahead of Miguel Munoz (14 titles) and Zinedine Zidane (11 titles). His triumphs include three Champions Leagues (2014, 2022, 2024), two Spanish Championships (2022, 2024), two King’s Cups (2014, 2023), two Spanish Super Cups (2022, 2024), three UEFA Super Cups (2014, 2022, 2024), two Club World Cups (2014, 2022) and an Intercontinental Cup in 2024.
Carlo Ancelotti’s legacy remains undiminished, and captain Luka Modric admires the man who has won wherever he has coached. ‘Ancelotti understands the players perfectly. He knows how to motivate us while respecting our characters,’ said the 39-year-old Croatian midfielder. This ability to create a calm atmosphere has enabled Don Carlo to maintain a stable squad and win numerous titles.
Zinedine Zidane, the charismatic leader
Zinedine Zidane, a legendary former player, quickly became an iconic coach. He successfully managed Real Madrid between 2016 and 2021. During this period, the Frenchman won three consecutive Champions Leagues between 2016 and 2018, a historic feat. Zizou has built on trust and closeness with his players. He uses his experience as a player to inspire his team, as Cristiano Ronaldo revealed.
‘Zidane is a unique coach. He understands perfectly what it means to play for Real Madrid. His presence motivates us to give the best of ourselves,’ said five-time gold medallist Cristiano Ronaldo a few years ago. This close relationship with the players is one of Zidane’s major strengths. Zidane has won a total of 11 trophies with Real Madrid. In addition to his three Champions Leagues (2016, 2017, 2018), he has won two Spanish championships (2017, 2020), two Spanish Supercups, two UEFA Supercups and two Club World Cups.
Palmarès : Ancelotti vs Zidane
Carlo Ancelotti
- Champions League: 3 titles (2014, 2022, 2024)
- La Liga: 2 titles (2022, 2024)
- Copa del Rey: 2 titles (2014, 2023)
- Spanish Supercup: 2 titles (2022, 2024)
- UEFA Super Cups: 3 titles (2014, 2022, 2024)
- Club World Cup: 2 titles (2014, 2022)
- Intercontinental Cup: 1 title (2024)
Zinedine Zidane
- Champions League: 3 consecutive titles (2016, 2017, 2018)
- La Liga: 2 titles (2017, 2020)
- Copa del Rey: 0 titles
- Spanish Supercup: 2 titles
- UEFA Super Cups: 2 titles
- Club World Cups: 2 titles
Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane, duelling styles for the same glory
Carlo Ancelotti uses an adaptive system. He adjusts his strategies according to the strengths of the team. For example, he used a three-man midfield with Casemiro, Kroos and Modrić to ensure perfect balance. But since the Brazilian’s departure for Manchester City, Don Carlo has relied much more heavily on youth. Fede Valverde has become his darling, and Frenchmen Camavinga and Tchouameni also play regularly, as Modric and Kroos look older.
The German eventually retired, further reshuffling the deck in midfield. Today, Valverde, Jude Bellingham and Tchouameni are the regulars in midfield. Camavinga, Modri and Dani Ceballos are in Carlo Ancelotti’s rotation. The Italian coach is appreciated for his calmness and understanding. Karim Benzema even said a few years ago when he was still at Real Madrid: ‘With Carlo, everything seems simple. He gives us confidence and lets us play our football.
Zidane, for his part, prefers a style based on confidence. He motivates his players to excel, even in difficult moments. He has often managed to turn complex situations around, as he did against Wolfsburg in 2016 and Atlético Madrid in 2017. The French legend inspires through his aura. ‘Zizou is a natural leader. We follow him without question,’ explained Sergio Ramos a few years ago. His closeness to the players has enabled him to keep the team together, even during difficult periods.
Both coaches have left their mark on the history of Real Madrid. Ancelotti is an adaptive strategist, capable of adapting to any situation. Zidane, on the other hand, is a charismatic leader who inspires confidence. Who’s better depends on individual preferences. It is difficult to choose between Ancelotti and Zidane. Ancelotti brings valuable tactical expertise and stability. Zizou, on the other hand, made history with his Champions League hat-trick and his unique charisma. The Italian may have become the most successful coach in Real Madrid’s history, but he still has an edge over 1998 golden ball winner Zinedine Zidane.
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