Raúl González Blanco, usually referred to simply as Raúl

Date Of Birth: June 27 1977

Place: Madrid - Spain

Height: 180cm

Weight: 72 Kg

Zodiac: cancer

Nickname: Angel de Madrid, Babystar, Golden Boy

Marital Status: married to Mamen Sanz (1/7/1999),has two sons Jorge(25/02/00) and Hugo(20/11/02)

Position: Forward

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He is a striker for the Spanish national team and Real Madrid. Since making his debut against the Czech Republic in October 1996, Raúl's performances for Spain have very much mirrored the nation's fortunes. After Fernando Hierro retired from the Spanish national team, Raúl became the captain for Real Madrid and country despite quite heavy criticism because of his poor physical condition in the last 2 years. Yet how can a man who has lead Real Madrid & Spain to much success in all his 10 years at the top be doubted after a year and a half of bad performances. The problem stems from too many short term memories amongst people especially the media.

He is the all-time leading goal scorer for the Spanish national team, with 39 goals in 78 international matches, and in the UEFA Champions League competition, with 49 goals in 94 matches (as of November 23, 2004). He is also currently 11th highest goalscorer in the history of Spain's top flight, with 166 goals in 353 games. All of these goals were for Real Madrid, making Raúl the club's third highest goalscorer of all time. This will surely improve as Raúl is still playing for the club.

Raúl possesses one of the distinctive celebrations in the modern game, with each goal acclaimed by a kiss of his wedding ring, an acknowledgement to his wife Mamen Sanz.

RAUL CELEBRATED 10 YEARS OF PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL IN REAL MADRID ON OCTOBER 29 2004! [[3]]

Statistics:

    4 x Spanish League Titles  (1995,1997,2001,2003) 

    3 x Supercup Espana  ( 1997 , 2001,2003) 

    2 x Top Scorer of the Spanish League (1998-1999) & (2000-2001) 

    3 x Champions League (1998,2000,2002) 

    1 x Europe Supercup  (2002) 

    2 x Intercontinental Cup (1997, 2002) 

    Voted Best Player of 1996/97 season after 21 goals in 42 games 

    82 International caps, 42 goals, Pichichi of Spanish National Football Team In HISTORY!!

    3 x Champions League Best Forward (2000,2001,2002)  

    2000 Spanish outstanding sportsman 

    2 x Bronze boot of Europe  (99 & 01) 

    2001 FIFA world player of the year, Bronze award 

    2001 European Footballer of the year, Silver award 

    Gol 800 de la seleccion 27/3/99 en el Spain VS Austria 

    Gol 900 de la seleccion 7/9/02 en el Greece vs Spain 

    Top scorer in La Liga (activo) 139 goals (with Real Madrid) as at 1/9/02  

    Top scorer in Spain National team, 34 goals as at 11-9-03  

    Top UEFA Champions League scorer, 49 goals tally from 2004

    Champions League  Pichichi  (10 goals 99 -00) 

    Champions League Pichichi ( 7 goals 00 -01 ) 

Quotes from players & managers on Raul:

Thierry Henry (25/06/00):" When he plays, in his mind there is only the goal; it's the football essence. Figo and himself are two great players although a bit overated; everytime they do something, you stand up over your seat".

Franz Beckenbauer (09/05/00): "Raúl is one of the bests of Europe. He is the Real Madrid's spirit. He is like Matthaus for us".

Fabio Capello (15/11/99): "He is a winner. He is inheritance of the Real Madrid".

Jesús Gil (29/10/99): "Raúl is my black beast".

Javier Clemente (01/04/00): "Raúl is the best forward in Europe".