Real Madrid have officially announced that club legend Raúl González is stepping down as head coach of their youth team, bringing an end to a five-year chapter on the sidelines.

Raúl took charge of Real Madrid Castilla in 2019 and came agonizingly close to earning promotion to the Spanish second division during the 2022/23 season, only to fall short in the playoff final. As a player, Raúl is immortalized as one of Madrid’s greatest icons, having won six La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions League trophies, while scoring 323 goals in 741 appearances — the third-highest tally in the club’s history.

Madrid Pays Tribute to a Legend

“It has been an honor for Real Madrid to have one of the greatest legends in our history and in world football serve as coach and mentor within our youth system,” the club said in a statement. “Raúl will forever remain in the hearts of all Madridistas, and Madrid will always be his home.”

What’s Next for Raúl?

Raúl’s departure has sparked immediate speculation about his next move. He has already held talks with Villarreal and has been linked in the media to a potential return to Schalke 04, where he played between 2010 and 2012.

The 46-year-old’s coaching stock remains high in Europe, with many viewing him as one of the most promising young Spanish managers yet to test himself at the top-flight level.