Real Madrid coaches from time to time have their own coaching styles that have led Los Blancos to victory. Check out the best Real Madrid coaches below!
Real Madrid is one of the most successful and famous football clubs in the world. The club is not only known for its incredible trophy collection, but also for having legendary coaches who have led them to glory.
From Santiago Bernabéu to Carlo Ancelotti, these coaches have left a deep legacy in Real Madrid’s history. Each coach has his own coaching style that has led Madrid to various achievements.
Current Real Madrid Coach, Carlo Ancelotti
Carlo Ancelotti is currently back at the helm of Real Madrid after a successful spell in charge. In his latest tenure, Ancelotti has continued his success by leading Real Madrid to numerous trophies.
Most recently, Ancelotti successfully led Real Madrid to win the 2024 Champions League, with a score of 2-0 over Dortmund. This victory was the third time Ancelotti led Los Blancos to become Champions League champions, namely 2014, 2022, and 2024.
This success brought Madrid to the 15th title in the club’s history and confirmed the status of ‘king’ of the Champions League. Not only that, Ancelotti also broke the record as the most successful coach in the Champions League and pocketed his fifth gold medal in the Champions League.
Ancelotti is known for his calm leadership style and ability to manage star players wisely, creating harmony within the team and maximizing the players’ potential.
Real Madrid’s Best Coaches of All Time
Aside from the talent and perseverance of the players, the success of a club is also influenced by its coach. Here are the best Real Madrid coaches of all time!
1. Santiago Bernabéu (1945-1957)
Santiago Bernabéu may be best known as the legendary president of Real Madrid, but he also coached the team. As coach, Bernabéu brought about major changes to the club’s structure and ushered in a new, more professional era.
Under his leadership, Real Madrid began to dominate Spanish and European football, winning five La Liga titles and the first five European Cups in a row.
Performance:
- 5 La Liga Titles
- 5 European Cups
2. Miguel Muñoz (1960-1974)
Miguel Muñoz is one of the most successful Real Madrid coaches in history. Under his guidance, Los Blancos won nine La Liga titles and two European Cups.
Muñoz is known for his ability to manage a star-studded team and maintain the club’s dominance at both domestic and European level. His firm but fair managerial style has earned him the respect of players and fans alike.
Miguel Muñoz’s Coaching Style : Muñoz is known for his extraordinary tactical ability and strong leadership, being able to maximize the potential of his star players such as Alfredo Di Stéfano and Ferenc Puskás.
Performance:
- 9 La Liga Titles
- 2 European Cups
- 2nd Copa del Rey
3. Luis Molowny (1974, 1977-1979, 1982-1986)
Luis Molowny is a coach that Real Madrid often rely on in times of crisis. He brought stability and success during his short tenure.
Molowny won three La Liga titles and two UEFA Cups, demonstrating his incredible adaptability and deep understanding of the club.
Luis Molowny’s Coaching Style: Molowny is known for his ability to motivate players and get results in difficult situations.
Performance:
- 3 La Liga Titles
- 2 UEFA Cups
- 2nd Copa del Rey
4. Leo Beenhakker (1986-1989, 1992)
The next best Real Madrid coach is Leo Beenhakker. Leo Beenhakker led Real Madrid to three consecutive La Liga titles in the late 1980s.
He was known for his offensive approach and ability to get the most out of star players such as Emilio Butragueño and Hugo Sánchez. Beenhakker also won the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de España, making him one of the most successful coaches of the era.
Leo Beenhakker’s Coaching Style: Beenhakker is known for his strong offensive strategy and tactical flexibility.
Performance:
- 3 La Liga Titles
- 1st Copa del Rey
- 1 Spanish Super Cup
5. Vicente del Bosque (1999-2003)
Vicente del Bosque was the Real Madrid coach who successfully combined great talents into the Galácticos squad. During his tenure, Real Madrid won two Champions League titles (2000, 2002), two La Liga titles, and several other trophies.
Del Bosque is renowned for his ability to manage egos. He successfully brought together big stars such as Zinedine Zidane, Luís Figo and Raúl. His success in Madrid was followed by success with the Spanish national team, which won the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.
Vicente del Bosque’s Coaching Style : Del Bosque is renowned for his calm approach and ability to manage big egos in the dressing room.
Performance:
- 2 Champions League Titles
- 2 La Liga titles
- 1 Intercontinental Cup
- 1 European Super Cup
6. Fabio Capello (1996-1997, 2006-2007)
Fabio Capello is known for his strict discipline and focus on defensive organization. In his two short spells at Real Madrid, Capello managed to win two La Liga titles (1997, 2007).
Despite often facing criticism for his defensive playing style, Capello is still recognized as one of the coaches who is able to bring stability and victory in a short time.
Fabio Capello’s Coaching Style: Capello is known for his disciplined approach and strong defensive tactics.
Performance:
- 2 La Liga titles
7. Jose Mourinho (2010-2013)
José Mourinho ushered in a new era at Real Madrid with his passionate and controversial approach. Despite only three years at the club, Mourinho ended Barcelona’s dominance by winning La Liga in the 2011-12 season with a record 100 points.
He also won the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de España. Mourinho is known for his strong defensive strategy and ability to motivate his players to their full potential.
José Mourinho’s Coaching Style : Mourinho is known for his solid defensive strategy and ability to inspire fighting spirit in his team.
Performance:
- 1 La Liga title
- 1st Copa del Rey
- 1 Spanish Super Cup
8. Zinedine Zidane (2016-2018, 2019-2021)
Zinedine Zidane is the Real Madrid coach who not only delivered instant success but also built a long-term legacy for Los Blancos. Under his guidance, Real Madrid won the Champions League three times in a row (2016, 2017, 2018), an unprecedented feat in the modern era.
In addition, he also won two La Liga titles. Zidane is known for his tactical skills and good relationships with players, which allows him to get the best out of his squad.
Zinedine Zidane’s Coaching Style : Zidane is known for his intelligent and calm approach. He is able to inspire his team with strong leadership and sharp tactical skills.
Zinedine Zidane’s Achievements:
- 3 Champions League Titles
- 2 La Liga titles
- 2 Club World Cup
- 2 European Super Cups
- 2 Spanish Super Cups
9. Rafael Benítez (2015-2016)
Despite his short and controversial tenure, Rafael Benítez is still recognised for his contribution to the development of several young players who went on to become stars at Real Madrid.
Benítez, known for his tactical and analytical approach, was influential in laying the foundations that his successors have built upon.
Rafael Benítez’s Coaching Style: Benítez is known for his tactical and analytical approach.
Performance:
- 1 Club World Cup
10. Carlo Ancelotti (2013-2015, 2021-present)
Current Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has brought unforgettable moments to Real Madrid. In his first spell, Ancelotti led the team to La Décima, a long-awaited 10th Champions League title, in 2014.
Ancelotti is known for his calm leadership style and ability to manage star players wisely. In his second spell, he led Madrid to another Champions League trophy in 2022, making him one of the most respected coaches in the club’s history.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Coaching Style : Ancelotti is known for his flexible approach and ability to make players feel comfortable and motivated.
Performance:
- 2 Champions League Titles
- 1 Club World Cup
- 1 European Super Cup
- 1st Copa del Rey
That’s the list of Real Madrid coaches from time to time, complete with their achievements and coaching styles. Each coach has a unique style and approach, but all share the same goal: to bring glory to Los Blancos.
To this day, Real Madrid continues to be a dominant force in world football, thanks in large part to the vision and leadership of their top coaches.