Real Madrid great Raul has cut his ties with the Spanish giants as a youth academy coach, but remains convinced that he will return to the club one day.
Raul played for Real between 1994 and 2010 and scored 323 goals, eclipsing the club scoring record of Alfredo Di Stefano before Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema passed him.
The 102-times capped Spain striker won six LaLiga titles and three Champions Leagues at Real, and returned to the club in a coaching capacity in 2018 after finishing his playing career at Schalke, Al Sadd and New York Cosmos.
The 47-year-old posted on Instagram: “Today, I informed Real Madrid of my decision to end my time at the club.
“It has been seven seasons in which I have enjoyed the great passion for football that I have had since I was a child. I am sure that these years have helped me grow as a professional and as a person.
“I am grateful to the club of my life for the opportunity it has given me over all these years.
“And I want to thank all the employees of this club and everyone who is part of Real Madrid, because they have all given me their support and love, and have helped me carry out one of the most beautiful jobs in this sport: sharing the experience and knowledge I have acquired with the youngest players to watch them grow as people and as athletes.
“I will proudly enjoy the successes achieved by each of the players I have coached, and they all receive my love and gratitude for everything they have given.
“A new stage in my life as a coach now begins outside of this club, and I am convinced that one day I will return to what has always been my home.
“Thank you all. Hala Madrid!”
A club statement read: “Real Madrid is proud to have had one of the greatest legends in our history and world football as a coach and trainer at our youth academy.
Official Announcement: Raúl.
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) May 27, 2025
“Raul also exemplifies all the values of Real Madrid. Values that he has also passed on as a coach.
“He coached Cadete B (U15s) and Juvenil B (U18s) in the 2018-2019 season. Since then, he has coached Castilla. In August 2020, he also coached Juvenil A (U19s), the team that won the Youth League.
“Raul will always be in the hearts of all madridistas, and Real Madrid will always be his home.
“Real Madrid wishes Raul and his family all the best in this new stage of his life.”
