Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is set to appear in court on Wednesday as he faces allegations of failing to pay €1 million ($1.08 million) in taxes on image rights earnings during his first tenure at the club.
The Italian manager, one of football’s most decorated coaches, joins a list of high-profile figures investigated by Spanish tax authorities, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Diego Costa, many of whom settled their cases with significant fines. However, in 2023, Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso was acquitted after refusing to settle and defending his innocence in court.
Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of four years and nine months, along with a €3.2 million fine, for alleged tax evasion in 2014 and 2015. They claim Ancelotti reported only his Real Madrid salary while failing to declare income from image rights in his tax returns.
Ancelotti has expressed confidence in the Spanish justice system, stating last week that he looks forward to presenting his case. Before the trial, prosecutors confirmed that Spain’s tax authority had already seized the alleged unpaid sum along with interest.
The trial, scheduled to last three days in Madrid, could still be resolved through an out-of-court settlement at any stage.
Ancelotti, a former Italy international who played in the 1990 World Cup, returned to Real Madrid as head coach in 2021. He has won the Champions League five times in his managerial career—twice with AC Milan and three times with Real Madrid.
