Carlo Ancelotti, the renowned coach of Real Madrid, appeared in a Spanish court on April 2, 2025, for a trial regarding allegations of tax fraud. Prosecutors claim that Ancelotti failed to declare €1 million in income from image rights in his tax returns for 2014 and 2015. While Ancelotti denies any wrongdoing, insisting that everything was in order and that other players had done the same, the prosecution is seeking a four-year and nine-month prison sentence along with a hefty €3.2 million fine.
The case is part of a wider crackdown on tax fraud involving high-profile footballers in Spain, such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Diego Costa, who have settled similar charges out of court. The trial, which could still end in a settlement, will last three days, with Ancelotti having already paid the debt and interest to Spain’s tax authorities. The outcome of this case will be closely watched, as it adds to the scrutiny of financial dealings in the world of elite football.
