Real Madrid’s beloved ‘Mister Champions’ Ancelotti in court

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti faces trial on Wednesday for alleged tax evasion, a potential blot on the career of a widely-loved and uniquely successful figure in football.

The Italian is the most decorated manager in Champions League history, winning it twice with AC Milan in 2003 and 2007, and then three times with Los Blancos in 2014, 2022 and 2024.

Beating Liverpool in 2022, Ancelotti surpassed former Reds manager Bob Paisley and his Madrid predecessor Zinedine Zidane, who boast three each, to become “Mister Champions”.

Ancelotti won the competition twice as a player with Milan, but his exploits as a coach have become the stuff of legend, along with his trophy celebrations — sunglasses on, cigar in hand on the open-topped parade bus.

The 65-year-old coach is adored by his players, a result of his “quiet leadership”, the title of his autobiography.

Ancelotti is rarely flustered, although he admitted he usually feels tension in the hours preceding a Champions League final.

“Before the team talk, the heart rate starts to rise. Up to 110, 120 (beats per minute),” he said ahead of the Wembley final last year.

“Until the game starts. After the game starts, it goes back to its normal rhythm.”

– ‘Nice, fat, bear’ –

Ancelotti coached Reggiana, Parma and Juventus for short spells before arriving at Milan in 2001, departing in 2009 as the club’s longest-serving manager.

“Carlo never gets angry,” said Italy great Paolo Maldini, who spent five seasons alongside Ancelotti the player and eight under him as a coach.

Ancelotti led Milan to two Champions Leagues as well as a Serie A and cup double.

In 2009 Ancelotti took over at Chelsea, winning the league and FA Cup double and helping the Blues become the first team in the Premier League