As a club, Real Madrid has had a number of players become managers at the top level once their playing careers come to an end. Former players like Santi Solari, Zinedine Zidane, Xabi Alonso, and Alvaro Arbeloa have all taken the step into the managerial world after retiring as players, all of them ending up managing Real Madrid at some point in their journey.
Another former Real Madrid player has just taken the next big step in his managerial career; however, unlike the others, he won't be taking the touchline at the Bernabeu.
As officially announced by the club on X, Real Madrid icon Raul has been appointed as the new head coach of Segunda Division side Real Oviedo, marking the first senior team managerial role for the former Real Madrid talisman. Raul is set for the next step in his managerial career, joining the club on a two-year contract until 2028.
Raul takes the next big step in his managerial career
As mentioned earlier, this appointment is the next major step for Raul in his managerial career, marking his first senior team role. The Spaniard served as the manager for Real Madrid Castilla from 2019-2025, before departing after being overlooked for the first-team role, which ultimately went to Xabi Alonso. Managing a senior team will no doubt be very different compared to managing a youth team, but if there's anyone who can handle making the jump, it's someone like Raul, who brings experience from his playing days that is matched by almost no one.
Raul will be succeeding Julian Calero as Oviedo manager, who was dismissed earlier this week after weeks of understandable speculation surrounding his future. Oviedo currently sits ninth in the Segunda Division and is very much in the hunt for promotion back to La Liga for next season. Oviedo returned to La Liga for the first time in 24 years last season but were ultimately set back down after finishing last in the top flight.
The Spaniard is eager to join the storied club and is looking forward to getting straight to work, with the new manager going on to say: "Happy to be here. I was keen to choose a club with tradition and a city passionate about football. I’m really excited about this project because of the club and the fans. I hope I can live up to expectations."
Raul's first match on the touchline for Oviedo comes on November 19th, as they take on fellow relegated side Girona at home, with Girona sitting in eighth, only ahead of Oviedo on goal difference. Raul is a beloved figure in Real Madrid's history, and it's safe to say all Real Madrid fans will be wishing nothing but success for him in his new journey after everything he did for Los Blancos.
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