Brazil national team head coach Carlo Ancelotti has been sentenced to one year in prison and fined €386,000 after being found guilty of tax fraud by a court in Madrid. The charges relate to undeclared image rights income during his first stint as Real Madrid coach between 2013 and 2015.

The case alleged that Ancelotti failed to report over €1 million in earnings to the Spanish tax office. Although he repaid €1.5 million in 2021, he refused to settle the case privately, leading to a full trial. Prosecutors had originally demanded a 4-year, 9-month sentence and a €3.2 million fine. But the court reduced the sentence after the April 2025 hearings.

⚖️ Why Carlo Ancelotti Likely Won’t Go to Prison

Despite the conviction, the 65-year-old manager is unlikely to serve actual jail time. Under Spanish law, first-time, non-violent offenders sentenced to less than two years typically receive a suspended sentence, serving as a form of probation.

Ancelotti defended himself in court, claiming:

“I negotiated a €6 million net salary. I never handled image rights directly — that was the club’s responsibility.”

He pointed out that Real Madrid was responsible for tax withholdings related to his image rights.

⚽ Ancelotti Joins Messi, Ronaldo in Spain’s Tax Spotlight

Ancelotti now joins the list of global football stars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, both previously fined for similar Spanish tax evasion cases.

After leaving Real Madrid in May 2025, Ancelotti took charge of the Brazil national team. With a legendary coaching career spanning AC Milan, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and Everton, he’s one of the most decorated managers in modern football, including two La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions League trophies with Real Madrid.

🔍 Key Facts:

• Who? Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil national team coach

• What? Sentenced to 1 year prison + €386,000 fine

• Why? Tax fraud related to image rights during Real Madrid (2013–2015)

• Will he go to jail? No — likely a suspended sentence under Spanish law

• Total debt repaid? €1.5 million in 2021

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