All-time greatest XI managed by Carlo Ancelotti

The Italian is regarded as one of the best managers in the World.

Carlo Ancelotti is a highly respected and experienced football manager with a proven track record of success. He has managed some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including AC Milan, Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, winning numerous domestic and international titles.

One of Ancelotti's standout qualities is his ability to remain calm and adaptable under pressure, making tactical adjustments to suit his team's strengths and exploit opponents' weaknesses. He is also well-regarded for his skill in managing high-profile players with challenging personalities, fostering a sense of unity and cooperation within the team.

Furthermore, Ancelotti's tactical versatility is widely acknowledged, with him frequently adjusting his strategies to maximize his players' abilities and counter his opponents' tactics. He is also a master at managing his squad, using a rotation system to keep players fresh and motivated while minimizing the risk of injury or burnout.

Overall, Ancelotti's remarkable accomplishments and contributions to modern football have earned him widespread recognition as one of the sport's most accomplished and respected managers. Here is his greatest combined XI of players he has worked with.

Goalkeeper

Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)

One of the key players in Ancelotti's team that secured the treble for Real Madrid in the 2021-2022 season was Courtois. He played a vital role in helping his team win the Champions League, LaLiga, and the Spanish Super Cup. As the first-choice goalkeeper for Ancelotti's side, Courtois has shown significant improvement under the manager's guidance.

Defenders

Cafu (AC Milan)

Cafu was one of AC Milan's most notable players during Carlo Ancelotti's tenure as manager. Ancelotti recognized Cafu's attacking prowess and frequently utilized him as a wing-back in a 3-4-3 formation, enabling Cafu to utilize his speed and technical abilities to push forward and generate scoring chances. Cafu played an essential part in Milan's accomplishments under Ancelotti's guidance, which included capturing the Serie A title in 2003-04, as well as the UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup in 2007.

Alessandro Nesta (AC Milan)

Carlo Ancelotti's tenure as manager of AC Milan saw Italian centre-back Alessandro Nesta excel even further. Nesta was entrusted with a central role in a three-man defense by Ancelotti, who recognized his exceptional defensive abilities, impressive positioning, and formidable tackling skills. Nesta played a pivotal role in Milan's accomplishments under Ancelotti's guidance, which included clinching the Serie A title in 2003-04, and the UEFA Champions League in both 2003 and 2007, as well as the FIFA Club World Cup in 2007. Nesta's contributions were acknowledged with three UEFA Team of the Year selections, reinforcing his reputation as an indispensable part of Milan's successful era with Ancelotti at the helm.

Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)

Sergio Ramos played under Carlo Ancelotti during his time as manager of Real Madrid. During this period, Ramos was a key player for the team and played a crucial role in their success. Ancelotti recognized Ramos' leadership qualities and often appointed him as the team captain. Ramos also excelled defensively under Ancelotti's guidance, winning the UEFA Champions League, the Copa del Rey and FIFA Club World Cup in 2014. Ancelotti's trust in Ramos' abilities played a significant role in the defender's success at Real Madrid.

Paolo Maldini (AC Milan)

During Carlo Ancelotti's tenure as manager of AC Milan, the legendary defender Paolo Maldini was still an important player for the team. Maldini was still a crucial member of the Milan side, and Ancelotti recognized his experience and leadership qualities. Ancelotti frequently played Maldini as a centre-back in a three-man defence, where he could use his defensive intelligence and excellent positioning to great effect. Under Ancelotti's guidance, Maldini won Serie A title in 2003-04, and the UEFA Champions League in 2003 and 2007, and FIFA Club World Cup in 2007 capping off a remarkable career at Milan.

Midfielders

Luka Modric (Real Madrid)

Real Madrid owed a great deal of their success under Carlo Ancelotti's leadership to Modric's technical prowess, vision, and unwavering commitment. His contribution in the central midfield position is pivotal, enabling the team to retain possession and initiate attacks, leading to their victories in LaLiga, UEFA Champions League (twice), UEFA Super Cup (twice), FIFA Club World Cup (twice), Copa del Rey, and Spanish Super Cup. Modric's reputation as one of the world's foremost midfielders was solidified by Ancelotti's unwavering trust in his abilities.

Andrea Pirlo (AC Milan)

During Carlo Ancelotti's tenure as manager of AC Milan, Andrea Pirlo was a vital component of the team's midfield, thanks to his technical prowess, exceptional vision, and creativity. Ancelotti deployed Pirlo as a deep-lying playmaker, allowing him to dictate the team's attacking moves while also providing defensive coverage. Together, they achieved the Serie A title in 2003-04, and the UEFA Champions League in both 2003 and 2007, and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2007.

Clarence Seedorf (AC Milan)

Clarence Seedorf was an essential member of AC Milan's midfield during Carlo Ancelotti's tenure as the team's manager. Ancelotti assigned Seedorf as a box-to-box midfielder, enabling him to contribute to both attacking and defensive phases of play. Together, they secured the Serie A title in the 2003-04 season, and the UEFA Champions League twice in 2003 and 2007, and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2007. Following Ancelotti's departure to Chelsea, Seedorf departed Milan to join Real Madrid, but he continued to admire Ancelotti's managerial style.

Forwards

Kaka (AC Milan)

Carlo Ancelotti's management at AC Milan proved to be a fruitful time for Brazilian attacking midfielder Kaka, who played a crucial role in the team's offence. Ancelotti frequently deployed Kaka in an attacking midfield position, allowing him to use his talents to create scoring opportunities for his teammates and score goals himself. Together, they won the Serie A title in 2003-04, and the UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup in 2007. There were rumours that Ancelotti was interested in signing Kaka when he became the manager of Chelsea, but Kaka ultimately stayed with Milan before transferring to Real Madrid.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)

Under Carlo Ancelotti's leadership at Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo flourished as a player. Ancelotti's decision to play Ronaldo in a central role allowed him more creative freedom and greater involvement in the team's build-up play. Together, they secured victories in the UEFA Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup and the Copa del Rey in 2014. In addition, Ronaldo set a new record by scoring 17 goals in the Champions League. Ancelotti and Ronaldo shared a positive relationship, with the manager praising Ronaldo's hard work and dedication to the team.

Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)

Under Carlo Ancelotti's leadership at Real Madrid, Karim Benzema has become a vital player as the team's central striker. Ancelotti's deployment of Benzema has allowed him to showcase his technical abilities and creativity in the final third, which has contributed significantly to Real Madrid's success. With Ancelotti at the helm, Benzema has won the UEFA Champions League twice, UEFA Super Cup twice, Copa del Rey, FIFA Club World Cup twice, LaLiga, and Spanish Super Cup, highlighting his impact on the team. Ancelotti's unwavering trust in Benzema is evident, as he remains one of the manager's most frequently used players. Overall, Benzema's performance under Ancelotti has cemented his status as one of the world's most prolific and skilled strikers.