Raul Gonzalez has stepped down as manager of Real Madrid's B-team just days after the club confirmed Xabi Alonso will replace Carlo Ancelotti at the end of the season.
The departure ends a seven-year journey for Raul in the club's youth setup, where he rose through the ranks after beginning his coaching career in 2018 with Cadete B, Madrid's under-15 team.
He was soon promoted to manage the B-team, known as Castilla, although he also led the club's under-19 side to UEFA Youth League glory in 2020.
Raul, who scored 323 goals in 741 appearances for Madrid between 1994 and 2010, confirmed his decision to move via a personal statement on Instagram.
The 47-year-old wrote: 'As of today, I have informed Real Madrid of my decision to bring my time serving the Club to an end.
'It has been seven seasons during which I have enjoyed the great passion I've had for football since I was a child. I'm certain that these years have helped me grow both as a professional and as a person.
'I thank the club of my life for the opportunity it has given me throughout these years.
'And I want to express my gratitude to all the employees of this institution and to everyone who is part of Real Madrid, because they have all shown me support and affection, and have helped me carry out one of the most beautiful roles in this sport: sharing my experience and knowledge with the younger players, watching them grow as people and as athletes.
'I will proudly enjoy the successes achieved by each of the boys I have coached, and all of them take with them my affection and gratitude for everything I have experienced.
'A new chapter in my life now begins away from this Club, with the reassurance that one day I will return to what has always been my home.
'Thank you all. Hala Madrid!'
An official club statement then added: 'Real Madrid CF announces that Raul has informed the club of his decision to end his time as coach of our youth team.
'It has been a source of pride for Real Madrid to have one of the greatest legends in our history and in world football as our coach and trainer of our youth system.
'Raul also exemplarily represents all of Real Madrid's values. These values he has also instilled as a coach: he managed the Cadete B and Juvenil B teams during the 2018-2019 season. Since then, he has been the coach of Castilla. In addition, in August 2020, he managed the Juvenil A team, with which he won the Youth League.
'Raul will always be in the hearts of all Real Madrid fans, and Real Madrid will always be his home.
'Real Madrid wishes Raul and his family all the best in this new stage of his life.'
According to AS, Raul's exit was driven by his frustration at being overlooked for a more senior role — first in 2021 when Zinedine Zidane departed, and now again with Alonso's appointment.
Raul leaves after guiding Castilla to an impressive 2025 campaign, in which they suffered just one defeat and came close to reaching the playoffs.
Alvaro Arbeloa, who currently coaches the Juvenil A team, is expected to step up and replace Raul at Castilla next season.
duzdiklmn
0
this guy has suffer..Our legend Raul...be must be patient...time will tell...don't be like layea of Ghana
duzdiklmn
0
Perez treat your own good...other than that...they will together bring us down...we are in Spain...
wutbcdinrz
1
Can you blame him? Alonso is no Ancelotti . He is a downgrade from Ancelotti abd the guy knows this.
Zamolinbo
0
Academy that can not produce start, what is the need of spending millions on academy players that can't be promoted to first team
Ghana as how??None of ur business
kotcdinstz
0
Didn't even produce one star that academy, close it why spend millions on an academy that doesn't feed the first team
vinicious Vasquez cavajal nacho Asensio are real Madrid academy my go and find out before comment
JPierre
1
Not Xavi's fault if you don't get the job
kayusmessi
4
Academy that can not produce start, what is the need of spending millions on academy players that can't be promoted to first team
ABDULFATAI ADESANYA
1
guess he was jealous of xabi wanted to be next coach of the senior team
Is this how you reasons ?
Yuuelmry
0
He has the right to be angry no hard feelings. He is always welcome in Real Madrid. For now, Alonso is the prefered choice.
Yep
MumbaRk
0
Didn't even produce one star that academy, close it why spend millions on an academy that doesn't feed the first team
so many stars there and it's not his problem that they were not promoted to the first team
yeeceprtz
5
Didn't even produce one star that academy, close it why spend millions on an academy that doesn't feed the first team
MwenePuta
3
Media also? Why connect the two separate incidences???
Simplicio_lmd
1
He can join Man utd coaching staff
Abbajonas
3
Well! he tried but Madrid owe him nothing. I know he was expecting Madrid to call him up to coach the first team but is not mandatory... just calm down your turn might still come.
ariwanze
0
Yes angry because he wasn't appointed as Carlo Ancelotti's replacement. But he's not better than Xavi Alonso.
He has the right to be angry no hard feelings. He is always welcome in Real Madrid. For now, Alonso is the prefered choice.
Yuuelmry
2
Yes angry because he wasn't appointed as Carlo Ancelotti's replacement. But he's not better than Xavi Alonso.
yikcdikotz
1
He should have gone out since to test his managerial skills, look at xavi, lol at fsbregas go out and show what you have, it’s Real Madrid that will begging for your signature not you begging , if fabregas do well next season agajn he could replace arteta in the future
JAYMUSIC
2
guess he was jealous of xabi wanted to be next coach of the senior team