A Spanish court has sentenced Brazil national team coach Carlo Ancelotti to one year in prison for tax fraud related to his image rights earnings during his first stint as Real Madrid manager in 2014. However, the 66-year-old Italian is unlikely to serve jail time under Spanish law, which typically waives prison sentences under two years for first-time offenders in non-violent crimes.
The Madrid court found Ancelotti guilty of failing to declare €1 million in image rights income to Spanish tax authorities, using a “complex” and “confusing” network of shell companies to conceal the funds. Prosecutors had accused him of defrauding the state of €386,361. The court acquitted him of similar charges for 2015, ruling there was insufficient evidence that he had spent enough time in Spain to incur tax liabilities that year.
Ancelotti, who managed Real Madrid from 2013-2015 and again from 2021-2024, becomes the latest high-profile football figure to face tax troubles in Spain. The case follows similar convictions against Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and José Mourinho, all of whom reached settlements with Spanish authorities.
The veteran coach, currently preparing Brazil for the 2026 World Cup, can appeal the ruling. His legal team has maintained his innocence, arguing the case stems from a misinterpretation of his tax obligations during his brief first spell in Spain. Ancelotti left Madrid for Bayern Munich in 2016 after being sacked by the Spanish club, though he later returned for a second successful tenure.
Spanish tax authorities have aggressively pursued tax fraud cases involving foreign sports stars in recent years, recovering millions in unpaid taxes from athletes and entertainers. The crackdown has drawn criticism from some who argue the complex tax system unfairly targets high-earning foreigners.
