Raúl
Forward · Real Madrid · Spain
About Raúl
Raúl is Real Madrid's most iconic captain of the modern era — a boy from Madrid who joined the club at 15 and became its all-time leading scorer for over a decade. Elegant, intelligent, and clinical, he won three Champions League titles and six La Liga crowns and defined an era of Spanish football.
Raúl's story
From Atlético to Real
Raúl grew up supporting Atlético Madrid and joined their academy — only to be released when Atlético disbanded their youth teams in 1992 due to financial difficulties. Real Madrid signed him within weeks. It is one of the most consequential decisions in football history.
The Heart of Real Madrid
Between 1994 and 2010, Raúl made 741 appearances for Real Madrid — wearing the captain's armband for the final seven years. He won three Champions League titles (1998, 2000, 2002) and six La Liga trophies. He held Real Madrid's all-time scoring record with 323 goals until Cristiano Ronaldo surpassed it in 2015.
A Dignified Exit
When Mourinho took over in 2010 and made clear Raúl was not in his plans, the captain left with dignity. He joined Schalke 04, where he was idolised, helping them to a Champions League semi-final in his first season. He later returned to Real Madrid as a coach, managing Real Madrid Castilla.
Did you know?
- ⚽ He is Real Madrid's second all-time leading scorer with 323 goals in 741 appearances — a record that stood for over a decade until Cristiano Ronaldo broke it in 2015.
- 🏆 He scored the iconic 'Shush' goal — finger to his lips in front of the Camp Nou after scoring against Barcelona in 1999 — one of the most celebrated goal celebrations in football history.
- 👨👩👧👦 Raúl married Mamen Sanz in 1999 and they have six children together. He never left Spain or his family values behind, and returned to Real Madrid as a coach after retirement.
- 🌍 He is Spain's third all-time leading international scorer with 44 goals in 102 caps, and was the national record holder before David Villa surpassed him.
- 🎖️ Despite never winning the Ballon d'Or (finishing runner-up twice), he was voted UEFA Club Footballer of the Year in 2001 and remains one of the most decorated players of his generation.
Honours
- UEFA Champions League x3: Real Madrid (1998, 2000, 2002)
- La Liga x6: Real Madrid (1995, 1997, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2008)
- Intercontinental Cup x2: Real Madrid (1998, 2002)
- UEFA Club Footballer of the Year: 2001
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