Real Madrid place World Cup-winning South American coach on shortlist to succeed Ancelotti | OneFootball

As Real Madrid looks ahead to the future of its coaching staff, an unexpected name has emerged in discussions: Argentina’s current manager, Lionel Scaloni.

According to a report from Fichajes, Scaloni has caught the attention of the Madrid board, who have been impressed with his management skills and his ability to lead high-profile teams to success.

Despite not being the most talked-about candidate in recent months, Scaloni’s recent achievements have put him firmly on the radar of the Spanish giants.

Scaloni’s success with Argentina

Under his leadership, Argentina has become one of the most dominant teams in international football, clinching major titles such as the Copa America and the FIFA World Cup.

These accomplishments have placed Argentina among the strongest national teams in the world.

Lionel Scaloni is on Real Madrid’s radar. (Photo by Ernesto Ryan/Getty Images)

Scaloni has not only proven his tactical acumen but also his capability to manage big personalities in the dressing room, which aligns well with Real Madrid’s future coaching ambitions.

The 46-year-old’s balanced playing style and his ability to blend experience with emerging talent make him an ideal candidate for a team like Real Madrid, who are always on the lookout for a manager capable of building a competitive squad.

Challenge of Scaloni’s commitment to Argentina

However, there is a significant obstacle that may delay Scaloni’s potential move to Madrid. The Argentine coach has made it clear that he has no intention of leaving his position before the 2026 World Cup.

This commitment to his national team means that any possibility of him taking the reins at Real Madrid would likely have to wait until after the tournament unless an exceptional situation arises.

This creates a dilemma for Real Madrid’s board. They will have to decide whether they are willing to wait for Scaloni’s contract to run its course with Argentina, potentially allowing him to enter Madrid with an even stronger resume and the added prestige of managing his national team in another World Cup.

Alternatively, they could pursue other managerial options in the short term, especially if the wait becomes too long for the club’s ambitious goals.