Renowned Italian football manager Carlo Ancelotti has been handed a one-year prison sentence by a Spanish court for tax fraud related to his earnings during his first spell at Real Madrid. The ruling, delivered on Tuesday, stems from Ancelotti’s failure to declare income from image rights in 2014 while managing the Spanish giants.

The court found that Ancelotti concealed income tied to his image rights, which were paid through a corporate structure designed to avoid taxation in Spain. However, he was acquitted of similar charges for the 2015 fiscal year, as the court concluded there was insufficient evidence proving he resided in Spain long enough during that period to be considered a tax resident.

Ancelotti, currently head coach of the Brazil national team, was also fined approximately €386,000. In addition to the financial penalty, the court imposed a three-year ban on receiving public funds or benefits in Spain.

Despite the sentence, it remains unlikely that the 66-year-old will serve actual jail time. Under Spanish law, prison sentences of less than two years for first-time, non-violent offenders are typically suspended, especially when restitution is made and the individual has no prior criminal record.

The Spanish public prosecutor’s office had initially sought a harsher sentence, proposing four years and nine months in prison along with fines exceeding €3 million. However, the court opted for a more lenient ruling, possibly influenced by Ancelotti’s cooperation during the investigation and partial repayment of the taxes in question.

This verdict places Ancelotti alongside a list of footballing figures who have faced legal troubles over tax matters in Spain, including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and José Mourinho. All of them avoided time behind bars.

As of now, Ancelotti’s role with the Brazil national team remains unaffected, with no official comment from the Brazilian Football Confederation. His legal team is expected to appeal the ruling or seek suspension of the sentence under standard Spanish judicial procedures.

While the court’s decision underscores Spain’s continued crackdown on tax evasion in football, the practical impact on Ancelotti’s career appears minimal for now. The decorated manager, who recently led Real Madrid to UEFA Champions League glory before taking up the Brazil job, is likely to continue on the touchline without interruption.

Chelsea advanced to the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with a composed 2–0 victory over South American champions Fluminense at MetLife Stadium. The standout of the night was Joao Pedro, who scored twice against his former club in a memorable full debut.

The 22-year-old forward opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a precise strike from outside the penalty area. In a show of respect, Pedro chose not to celebrate. His second goal came shortly after the restart, latching onto a pass from Enzo Fernández and finishing powerfully under the bar.

Despite spirited efforts from Fluminense, Chelsea remained organized and composed. Marc Cucurella made a crucial clearance off the line, and the Blues were spared a penalty scare when a VAR check overturned the referee’s original decision. Chelsea’s midfield, led by Moisés Caicedo and Fernández, dictated the tempo.

Played in sweltering heat exceeding 35°C, the match tested both teams physically. Chelsea’s tactical discipline and fitness ultimately gave them the edge, allowing them to see out the match without serious threat in the closing stages.

Chelsea will now face the winner of the other semi-final between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday’s final. With Joao Pedro already making an impact, head coach Enzo Maresca will feel confident heading into the decisive clash.

On July 8, 2014, football fans around the world witnessed one of the most shocking matches in World Cup history. In what was expected to be a closely contested semifinal, Germany stunned host nation Brazil with a jaw-dropping 7–1 victory in front of a packed crowd in Belo Horizonte. For Brazilians, it was a night of heartbreak. For Germany, it was a masterclass in efficiency and control.

The match started with high energy and anticipation, but within just 30 minutes, Brazil had completely unraveled. Germany scored five times in that short span with goals from Müller, Klose, Kroos (twice), and Khedira, leaving Brazilian fans in disbelief. It wasn’t just the scoreline that shocked the world, but the ease with which Germany picked apart a team known for its rich football legacy.

Things didn’t get any better after the break. Germany added two more through André Schürrle, pushing the score to an unthinkable 7–0. Brazil finally got a consolation goal late in the game thanks to Oscar, but by then the damage had long been done. Cameras panned across the stands, capturing tears, silence, and stunned expressions from the home crowd. It was more than just a defeat; it felt like the soul of Brazilian football had been crushed.

The match sent Germany to the final, where they went on to beat Argentina and win the World Cup. But for many, it is this semifinal that stands out as the defining moment of the tournament. It was clinical, cold, and unforgettable. Miroslav Klose also etched his name in history that night by breaking the record for the most World Cup goals of all time.

More than a decade later, “Germany 7, Brazil 1” still echoes in conversations about football’s biggest upsets. It is a painful memory for Brazil but a timeless reminder of how quickly the beautiful game can turn and why the World Cup never fails to deliver drama.