Carlo Ancelotti reveals the most intelligent footballer he managed

March 11, 2026 Oliver Obel

Carlo Ancelotti has managed many of football’s greatest players, from Cristiano Ronaldo to Zinedine Zidane. But when asked to name the most intelligent footballer he worked with, the Real Madrid manager highlighted a player from his time at AC Milan.

According to Planet Football, Ancelotti once described Brazilian playmaker Kaka as the most intelligent player he coached, even while acknowledging that Zidane possessed unmatched natural ability.

“[He wasn’t] at Zinedine Zidane’s level, but almost. The second-best player I’ve coached and definitely the most intelligent,” Ancelotti said.

Kaka’s rise under Ancelotti

Kaka joined AC Milan from São Paulo in 2003 and quickly became one of the standout players in European football during Ancelotti’s tenure.

Operating as an attacking midfielder, the Brazilian combined pace, vision and decision-making to devastating effect, particularly in Milan’s quick counter-attacking style.

Between 2003 and 2009, Kaka made 270 appearances under Ancelotti, scoring 95 goals and providing 77 assists. During that period he helped Milan win the Serie A title and the 2007 Champions League, before being awarded the Ballon d’Or later that same year.

His performances in Europe, including Milan’s run to the 2007 Champions League title, cemented his reputation as one of the most influential midfielders of his generation.

Zidane still among the greats

Although Ancelotti singled out Kaka for his football intelligence, the Italian has repeatedly praised Zidane as one of the most gifted players he has ever worked with.

The French legend dominated world football during the late 1990s and early 2000s before retiring in 2006. Known for his composure, technical ability and vision, Zidane later translated that understanding of the game into coaching success, guiding Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018.

First impressions surprised Ancelotti

Despite Kaka’s eventual success, Ancelotti once admitted that his first impression of the Brazilian was unexpected.

When the midfielder arrived in Milan from Brazil, the coach recalled being struck by his quiet and studious appearance, joking that he looked more like a university student than a typical Brazilian xfootball star.

Any doubts quickly disappeared once Kaka stepped onto the training pitch. After watching the midfielder in action for the first time, Ancelotti realised Milan had signed an extraordinary talent.

Sources: Planet Football