Raul, who was born in Madrid and initially started life at Atletico Madrid’s academy set-up before moving to Real in 1992, made his senior bow during the 1994-95 campaign – becoming the youngest player at 17 years and 124 days to play for the Whites.
From then on, the rest was history.
Raul went on to make a club record 741 appearances and scored 323 goals – a feat only Cristiano Ronaldo has bettered.
Add to that six La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns, the legendary Whites No.7 and captain is recognised as one of the true greats in Spanish football. He also scored 44 goals in 102 appearances for Spain.
Here, we look back at five of his most memorable goals for Los Blancos.
5) LONG-RANGE CRACKER VS DEPORTIVO
Raul wasn’t known for his long-range goals but this gem in a defeat away to Deportivo showcased his ability to score from outside the box.
This effort is from the 2005-06 season.
4) 1998 INTERCONTINENTAL CUP FINAL
This was simply vintage Raul.
The No.7 collected a cross-field pass from Clarence Seedorf, controlled the ball instantly and then tempted a sliding defender into a tackle, only to skip by him.
Not content with beating just one defender, Raul dragged it past another Vasco da Gama player and scored what turned out to be the winning goal in a 2-1 victory.
3) RAUL’S FIRST GOAL FOR REAL
The striker didn’t waste anytime in announcing himself to Los Blancos fans as he scored this worldie of a finish in his first game at the Bernabeu (second in total) at the age of just 17…and you guessed it…it came against Atletico Madrid.
The video tells the full story but what a finish from that cultured, sweet left-foot.
2) SCORING AGAINST ATLETI…AGAIN
Raul served as Atleti’s chief tormentor over the years – making them truly regret their decision to release him from their academy when he was in his early teens.
This goal, during the 1996-97 La Liga campaign, set the tone for a 4-1 Real romp at the Vicente Calderon.
Raul took apart the Red and Whites defence and scored from a narrow angle. Class.
1) 2000 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL
Raul wrapped up Real’s 3-0 triumph over Valencia in Paris with a superb individual goal as he capitalized on Los Che’s pursuit of a route back into the game, and broke away clean through from in his own half – latching onto a ball from Savio.
He showed remarkable composure, skill and balance to round advancing goalkeeper Santiago Canizares and slot home in stunning style – despite defender Miroslav Dukic trying to clear the ball.