Real Madrid’s legendary coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has wrapped up his tax fraud trial in Spain, with prosecutors seeking a four-year, nine-month jail sentence over alleged tax evasion.
The 65-year-old football icon is accused of failing to pay over €1 million ($1.1 million) in taxes during his first stint with Real Madrid (2014-2015). Prosecutors claim he concealed earnings from image rights and other revenue sources through a network of shell companies, declaring only his salary.
Ancelotti, who holds a record five Champions League titles as a coach, insists he was unaware of any wrongdoing. He testified that Real Madrid advised him to structure his contract this way, similar to what other top managers like José Mourinho had done.
His lawyer, Carlos Zabala, argued that the Spanish tax authorities were using the case for “public humiliation”, insisting that Ancelotti did not fully understand the contracts he signed. He urged the court to acquit the Italian coach.
Spain has intensified its crackdown on tax fraud in football, with high-profile cases involving Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mourinho, and even pop star Shakira, who all reached settlements to avoid prison.
Ancelotti’s future now hangs in the balance as the court prepares to deliver its verdict.
