Parma, and Tanzi, were a learning experience for Ancelotti — it is not difficult to trace the roots of his definition of management to those early days. His job was simply to find a way of winning, not just in the cause of getting the most out of his players, but to meet the insatiable demands of those above him for as long as possible, too.

Real Madrid stars opted to skip the ceremony in October, believing Vinicius Jr. should have been named the world's best player instead of Manchester City's Rodri