Carlo Ancelotti, crowned best coach of the year with the Cruyff Trophy during the 2024 Ballon d’Or, broke the silence after the controversy surrounding the absence of Real Madrid representatives at the ceremony. The Italian coach, who won the prize against prestigious candidates like Pep Guardiola and Xabi Alonso, chose to remain at a distance, not delivering any video acceptance speech unlike Emma Hayes, crowned for women’s football.
A message of gratitude to its players
Ancelotti spoke via a social media post: “I would like to thank my family, my president, my club, my players, and especially Vinícius and Carvajal.” This recognition of its key players comes as Real Madrid decided to boycott the ceremony after learning that Vinícius Júnior and Dani Carvajal had not been distinguished in the main categories, thus sparking strong reactions.
