Raúl González Blanco has spoken. After several months of rumors about his future, the former Real Madrid striker has informed Florentino Pérez of what many suspected: he's leaving. His destination? Everything suggests he'll be the new coach of Spain's under-21 team, following the imminent departure of Santi Denia.
The decision hasn't been impulsive. Raúl considered several options, including from LaLiga clubs, but he has chosen to continue his path by developing the future talents of the national team. It's a position that fits perfectly with his profile and experience.
La Rojita looks for a new direction
Spain's under-21 elimination against England in the last European Championship was the trigger. The 1-3 result left a bad taste and marked the first quarterfinal elimination since the current format was established in 2017.
Santi Denia, the current coach, is already preparing for his move to Qatar. It's a new personal challenge that leaves a highly desired bench available. The Royal Spanish Football Federation has moved quickly, and Raúl has become the leading candidate in recent hours.
Both MARCA and COPE have confirmed that the former Madrid player is in pole position. It's no coincidence.
Raúl, a developer's DNA
Raúl's time in Real Madrid's youth academy has been more than remarkable. He began his coaching career in 2018, leading Cadete B and later Juvenil B. In 2020, with Juvenil A, he lifted the UEFA Youth League trophy, showing his ability to compete and develop players at the same time.
Since then, he has been in charge of Castilla, where he has worked with several of the club's young prospects. He has experienced the pressure of coaching Madrid's second team and has shown that he has a firm yet approachable character.
That profile fits perfectly with the under-21 philosophy: demand, development, and projection.
A future with an eye on more
The decision to accept the challenge with the under-21 team isn't a definitive goodbye to Real Madrid; it's more of a "see you later." In Valdebebas, they know Raúl is an asset for the future, someone who could take over the first team's bench one day. They also know he needs experience outside the club.
In the Federation, they're delighted with his profile. Approachable, a winner, and with a highly professional mindset. Raúl, meanwhile, sees this position as an opportunity to grow, take on responsibility, and keep doing what he's most passionate about: coaching.