Real Madrid legend quits the Bernabeu in frustration at Xabi appointment

Real Madrid have confirmed the departure of Castilla coach Raul.

The former Madrid striker has been working with Madrid’s reserve side for five years but was reportedly frustrated at being overlooked for the first-team job which instead went to Xabi Alonso.

Raul remains the club’s record appearance maker with 741 during a glittering playing career that saw him win six La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns.

Comunicado Oficial: Raúl.

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) May 27, 2025

‘Raul will always be in our hearts’

A club statement read: “Real Madrid communicates that Raúl has told the club of his decision to end his time as a coach.

“For Real Madrid it has been a source of pride to have as a coach in our youth academy one of the greatest legends of our history and world football.

“Raúl also represents, in an exemplary way, all the values of Real Madrid. Values that he has also transmitted as a coach: he directed Cadet B and Juvenil B in the 2018-2019 season. Since then until today, he has been the coach of Castilla. In addition, in August 2020 he led Juvenil A, a team with which he was proclaimed champion of the Youth League.

“Raúl will always be in the heart of all Madrid fans and Real Madrid will always be his home.

“Real Madrid wishes Raúl and his family all the best in this new stage of his life.”

Return to Schalke on the cards?

It has been widely reported Raul will now return to Schalke, with whom he spent two seasons after leaving the Bernabeu.

Schalke have fallen on hard times since and finished the recently completed 2.Bundesliga season in 14th place.

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