Regarded as the Champion’s League all time leading goal scorer, Raúl González Blanco; popularly known as Raúl, spent sixteen long years of his career playing for Real Madrid; his home team. Fifa’s 100 list 2004 stated him as one of the greatest living footballers on earth. As the captain of Real Madrid for seven long years, Raúl is the winner of two Pichichi Trophy’s, five Don Balon Awards, two best goal scorer of UEFA Champion’s League and one “Best Player of Intercontinental Cup” award. Said to possess the best finishing touch in the box, Raúl is the youngest player to ever wear a Real Madrid shirt (at the age of 17).
Raúl González Blanco
Today, Raúl plays as a striker with the Qatar Stars League Club Al Sadd. As the captian of the club after the substitution of Abdulla Koni, Raúl helped Al Sadd win the 2012-2013 Qatar Stars League Title for the first time in 5 years. For nine time European champions, Raúl has scored more goals and played more games than any other player, 323 times in 741 appearances. The Champions League Record book has stated that this former Spain striker has made 142 appearances in the competition scoring a record 71 goals. After finishing his contract with Al Sadd, Raúl plans to join Real Madrid once again. He left the club to pursue another exciting project though returning to Real Madrid was always prominent in his thoughts. Even though Raúl plays for Al Sadd, he stands by Real Madrid’s values of working hard, staying humble and showing respect to others. Known as a potent poacher when being in front of a goal, Raúl went to his career peak when he was named as the 3rd best player in the world in the 2001-2002 Champions League Trophy. In the eyes of his fans and a few media sections Raúl is understood as the football Messiah who can do no wrong. Such is the love and trust of his followers.
After making his debut in 1994 with Real Madrid, Raúl made 550 appearances for the team. Known to be Spain’s richest footballer, Raúl has an estimated wealth of €44 million. Portuguese giant Sporting Lisbon confirmed Raúl to be their new head coach in an attempt to gain unattainable heights. Despite being lacking in experience, Raúl has surprisingly gained attention from clubs all around Europe. Raúl is keen into looking in management inside Europe because he feels that taking charge of a club outside Europe is irrelevant. Raúl played with Schalke 04 for two years pripor to joining the Al Sadd club and such was his impact that after his departure it was decided by the club to retire Raúl’s patent no 7 t- shirt for a significant period. Named as “the best striker in the world” by IFFHS in 1997, Raúl went in his career low when he missed the selection for Euro 2008. His age as well as his lack of pace and strength are said to be taking over his strengths of being clever, intelligent and creative. Criticisms as we all are aware of is a part of each and every success story but Raúl has placed himself in such a position that no matter how much he is criticised, his amazing wield play will always outshine it.