Raúl González: The Story of a Real Madrid Legend
Raúl González Blanco (born 27 June 1977), known as Raúl, is a Spanish professional football manager and former player who played as a striker. He is the current manager of Real Madrid Castilla.
Playing career
Real Madrid
Raúl was born in Madrid, Spain. He joined Real Madrid's youth team in 1992, and made his first-team debut in 1994. He quickly established himself as a regular in the team, and went on to make over 700 appearances for the club, scoring over 300 goals. He is the club's all-time leading scorer, and is considered one of the greatest players in its history.
In 2010, Raúl left Real Madrid to join Schalke 04 in Germany. He spent two seasons with the club, scoring 28 goals in 98 appearances.
Al Sadd
In 2012, Raúl moved to Qatar to join Al Sadd. He spent two seasons with the club, scoring 43 goals in 87 appearances.
New York Cosmos
In 2014, Raúl joined the New York Cosmos in the United States. He spent one season with the club, scoring 10 goals in 30 appearances.
International career
Raúl made 102 appearances for the Spain national team, scoring 44 goals. He represented his country at the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups, and the 2000 and 2004 UEFA European Championships.
Managerial career
Real Madrid Castilla
In 2018, Raúl returned to Real Madrid to become the manager of the club's reserve team, Real Madrid Castilla. He has led the team to promotion to the Segunda División B in his first season in charge.
Personal life
Raúl is married to Mamen Sanz, and they have five children. He is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Honours
Player
Real Madrid
- La Liga: 6 times (1994–95, 1996–97, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2006–07, 2007–08)
- Copa del Rey: 4 times (1993, 2001, 2002, 2003)
- Supercopa de España: 4 times (1997, 2001, 2003, 2008)
- UEFA Champions League: 3 times (1998, 2000, 2002)
- UEFA Super Cup: 1 time (2002)
- Intercontinental Cup: 1 time (1998)
Schalke 04
- DFB-Pokal: 1 time (2011)
Individual
- Pichichi Trophy: 2 times (1998–99, 2000–01)
- European Golden Shoe: 1 time (1999–00)
- UEFA Club Forward of the Year: 1 time (2000)
- FIFA World Player of the Year: 3rd place (2001)
- UEFA Team of the Year: 2 times (2001, 2002)
- FIFA 100: 2004
- Real Madrid Hall of Fame
Manager
Real Madrid Castilla
- Segunda División B: 1 time (2019–20)
Raúl is a legend of Spanish football. He is one of the most decorated players in the history of the game, and he had a successful career at both club and international level. He is now a respected manager, and he is sure to have a bright future in the game.
