Carlo Ancelotti sentenced to one year in prison for tax fraud in Spain
Ex Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, the renowned Italian football manager and current head coach of Brazil’s national team, has been sentenced by a Spanish court to one year in prison for tax fraud related to undeclared image rights income during his earlier tenure at Real Madrid.
The ruling, delivered on Wednesday by a Madrid court, found Ancelotti guilty of failing to disclose earnings from image rights in 2014, amounting to over one million euros in unpaid taxes. Prosecutors had originally sought a sentence of four years and nine months, alleging the use of shell companies to conceal income.
While the court issued a one-year prison sentence and imposed a fine of €386,361 (approx. $452,821), Ancelotti will not serve time behind bars. Under Spanish law, first-time offenders with sentences under two years are typically exempt from imprisonment.
Ancelotti denied any intentional wrongdoing, telling the court during his April trial that he had not understood the tax implications of arrangements involving image rights payments. The court ultimately cleared him of any misconduct related to the 2015 tax year.
Ancelotti’s legacy in football remains significant. He has led top clubs across Europe, including AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid. During his latest spell with Real Madrid (2021–2025), he secured multiple domestic and European titles, including two UEFA Champions League victories.
However, his final season at the club drew criticism—particularly over his management of Turkish talent Arda Güler, who was given limited playing time despite high expectations from fans and media.
Ancelotti has since taken charge of Brazil’s national team and currently resides outside of Spain.
