Unlike Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Cristiano Ronaldo: Spanish court makes historic Carlo Ancelotti verdict in tax fraud case

Carlo Ancelotti has faced a defining legal verdict in Spain — one that distinguishes him from other high-profile figures such as Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

In a dramatic turn of events, Carlo Ancelotti, one of soccer’s most respected coaches and the current manager of the Brazil national team, has faced a defining legal verdict in Spain — one that distinguishes him from other high-profile figures such as Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The outcome stems from an investigation into tax fraud accusations dating back to his time managing Real Madrid in 2014. While this development sent shockwaves across the soccer world, the nature of the verdict and its implications set it apart from the legal outcomes faced by many superstars before him.

The case originated from an accusation by Spain’s Public Prosecutor’s Office, which alleged that Ancelotti failed to declare income related to his image rights during his tenure with Los Blancos. The reported amount in question totaled just over $1 million, divided into approximately $450,000 in 2014 and approximately $790,000 in 2015.

According to the court documents, “the accused concealed revenues linked to the exploitation of his image rights and filed incomplete tax returns, which misled the Spanish Treasury.” Ancelotti, who was tried in Madrid on April 2 and 3, defended himself by stating that he had acted on the advice of both the club and his financial advisors.

Spanish court reveals the final verdict

After deliberation, the Spanish court issued its ruling on Wednesday, delivering a historic verdict: Carlo Ancelotti was found guilty of tax fraud for the year 2014 and sentenced to one year in prison, alongside a fine of around $450,000. However, in contrast to expectations and precedent, he was acquitted of the same charge for the year 2015, softening the blow of a full conviction.

Despite the prison sentence, Ancelotti is unlikely to serve time behind bars. Under Spanish law, any sentence under two years for a non-violent crime rarely requires jail time for first-time offenders. This mirrors the outcomes of similar cases involving Messi and Ronaldo — both of whom received suspended sentences and paid hefty fines instead.

Pattern in Spanish soccer — But Ancelotti stands apart

This case places Ancelotti in a long line of soccer figures scrutinized by Spain’s tax authorities over image rights income — including Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar, Mourinho, Modric, and even pop star Shakira. However, the Italian tactician’s case stands out for one reason: he was acquitted of half the charges, something rarely seen in similar trials.

While Messi was sentenced to 21 months in prison for hiding $4.8 million, and Ronaldo accepted a $22 million settlement with Spanish authorities, Ancelotti has come away with one conviction and one exoneration, reinforcing the notion that not all such cases follow the same trajectory.

Ancelotti, now 66 years old, left Real Madrid earlier this year to officially take over the reins of the Brazil national team — a position that comes with both great honor and immense pressure. His legal challenges in Spain, while unrelated to his new role, add an unwelcome layer of distraction.

Nevertheless, as per the EFE agency, his legal team is not expected to appeal, as the sentence is considered lenient and symbolic. The case will not impact his ability to travel or coach, and he remains free to fulfill his duties as the Selecao’s head coach, especially with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon.