Raúl's 15th anniversary as a Real Madrid player

Raúl played for Real Madrid's Under-17s when he joined the Club and, through the years, has become the team's leader on and off the pitch. He's also showcased his love for the Club and looked to achieve every possible personal and collective goal. Raúl's been here for 15 years and he expects to remain many more.


On 20 September 1992, at 15 years of age, Raúl joined Real Madrid's Under-17s, coming from the youth system of eternal rival Atletico Madrid. In his last season at Atletico he scored 55 goals, getting the Whites interested in him. Fifteen years have passed since then and the player has scored 452 official strikes with Real Madrid and 61 with Spain.


His first game as a Real Madrid player was against Alcalá, contributing to the 5-0 victory with one goal. He hasn't stopped scoring since and has become the all-time top scorer of the European Cup (57) and the third in Real Madrid's history (272) behind Di Stéfano and Santillana. In his second season at the Club he joined the Under-19s, eventually getting promoted to Real Madrid C in the 1994/95 campaign. That same year he made his debut with the first team against Zaragoza at La Romareda.

His goals and his drive have helped Real Madrid win five Leagues, three Champions Leagues, three Spanish Super Cups, two Intercontinental Cups and one European Super Cup. His excellent performances made him an unquestionable starter on the Spanish national team, becoming its captain after 44 fixtures. His impressive figures have made him one of the most important players in the history of Real Madrid, playing in 613 games -third in ranking after Santillana (643) and Sanchís (712)-.

The captain has had a brilliant start to the 2007/08 campaign so far. He's recovered his position as a striker and has already scored three goals -two in the League against Atletico and Villarreal, and one in the Champions League against Werder Bremen-.

Real Madrid's 30th League title last season was the player's fifth so far. Raúl is a true captain, a symbol of this Club, the player every new footballer on the team looks up to. Madridista above anything else, Raúl represents the values of this Club: drive, perseverance, work, humility, and human and football quality. In these past 15 years, Raúl has proved that the secret to his success is his devotion to the Club, to whom he still gives his all in every game.

Raul's my all time favorite player. The greatest player to have worn the Spanish colors. He has been grossly maltreated by Mr Aragones. He may not be the best player, but he never complains- takes all responsibility and plays for the team, even out of position. He has suffered for club and country, thank God club is beginning to put him back in position that makes him shine.

Gracias ala capitan!!!!!

Courtesy : Real Madrid Dot Com