 "Ancelotti Names His All-Time Top Players, Snubbing Vinicius Junior and Cristiano Ronaldo")
The veteran Italian manager has coached several great players but surprisingly excluded Real Madrid superstars Vinicius Junior and Cristiano Ronaldo from his all-time favorites.
Carlo Ancelotti, the newly anointed best coach of 2024 and current Real Madrid manager, has recently shared the distinguished players he regards as the pinnacle of his extensive coaching career.
The celebrated coach did not grace the award ceremony with his presence, reportedly feeling dismayed over Vinicius Junior’s failure to secure the coveted Ballon d’Or, a remark that casts light on the Brazilian’s standing in Ancelotti’s estimations.
Ancelotti snubs Vinicius and Ronaldo
In a candid interview, Ancelotti reflected on the remarkable athletes who left an indelible mark on his career—among them, iconic figures from his storied time at AC Milan.
Despite managing contemporary icons such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Vinicius Junior during his illustrious career, Ancelotti’s selections underscored a sentimental connection to the players he guided during his AC Milan tenure, specifically those with remarkable leadership qualities and compelling personalities.
The former helmsman of elite clubs including AC Milan, Juventus, Napoli, and Chelsea had an impressive array of candidates to choose from as the best of the best, yet he surprisingly chose two legends from varying periods with the Rossoneri.
Ancelotti reveals best-ever players
Ancelotti, known for nurturing extraordinary talent at some of the world’s most prestigious clubs, notably selected AC Milan stalwart Paolo Maldini as one of his top picks.
This enduring partnership transcended mere coach-player dynamics, as Ancelotti and Maldini not only collaborated as a coach and captain but also shared the pitch as teammates before Maldini took on the role of his captain at Milan.
Reflecting on Maldini’s immense influence, Ancelotti expressed, “Paolo Maldini, without a doubt, was a special player for me. He had been my teammate and then became my captain. He helped me a lot in Milan; we had a strong and fantastic relationship.”
Ancelotti also spotlighted Zlatan Ibrahimovic, emphasizing the Swedish striker’s formidable character, stating, “Then, of course, there was Ibrahimovic, with his strong character and big personality. In general, the most important players are the easiest to coach. They may have a big ego, but that can be their motivation.”
With an immense wealth of experience accumulated over his distinguished career, the Italian tactician is eager to conclude his storied coaching journey by leading more exceptional talents to greatness, as his current Real Madrid squad aims for a second consecutive Champions League title.
**Interview with Carlo Ancelotti on His All-Time Favorite Players**
**Editor:** Carlo, congratulations on being named the best coach of 2024! Your recent interviews have sparked a lot of discussions, especially regarding your all-time favorite players. Can you tell us why you chose to exclude Vinicius Junior and Cristiano Ronaldo from that list?
**Carlo Ancelotti:** Thank you! It’s a great honor. As for Vinicius and Cristiano, it’s not about their talent—both are phenomenal players. My choices were influenced by the memories and emotional connections I have with certain players from my past.
**Editor:** That makes sense. Can you elaborate on which players made the cut for your all-time favorites and what specifically made them stand out to you?
**Carlo Ancelotti:** Of course! Players like Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi, and Alessandro Nesta are among my favorites. They embody the essence of teamwork and dedication. I had the privilege to work closely with them, and their influence on my career was profound.
**Editor:** You also mentioned feeling disheartened by Vinicius Junior’s absence from the Ballon d’Or nominations. What does that say about how you view his development as a player?
**Carlo Ancelotti:** Vinicius is a unique talent and has shown tremendous growth. His omission from the Ballon d’Or highlights a missed opportunity for recognition, but I believe he will accomplish great things in the future. He is definitely a player to watch.
**Editor:** with such an accomplished career under your belt, does looking back at these players influence how you coach today?
**Carlo Ancelotti:** Absolutely. Each player I’ve coached has taught me something valuable. I try to bring that wisdom to my coaching style and help my current players find their paths and potential. They inspire me just as much as I hope to inspire them.
**Editor:** Thank you for your time, Carlo! Best wishes for the season ahead.
**Carlo Ancelotti:** Thank you! It’s always a pleasure to share my thoughts.