Raul Gonzalez named Real Oviedo head coach until June 2028
Synopsis
Raúl González Blanco — 323 Real Madrid goals, three Champions Leagues, six La Ligas — is now a second-division manager. The appointment at Real Oviedo until June 2028 is his first senior professional role, coming after six seasons building his coaching credentials at Real Madrid Castilla. His debut is Saturday against Girona FC.
Key Takeaways
Raúl González Blanco , 49, has been appointed head coach of Real Oviedo until June 2028 — his first senior professional management role.
The club terminated Julián Calero 's contract, which ran until 30 June 2027 , despite a recent return to form.
Raúl scored 323 goals in 741 games across 16 seasons at Real Madrid , winning 3 Champions Leagues and 6 La Liga titles .
As a coach, he won the UEFA Youth League with Real Madrid Under-19s in 2020 and managed Real Madrid Castilla for six seasons .
Raúl's first game in charge is on Saturday against Girona FC at the Carlos Tartiere .
Real Madrid legend Raúl González Blanco has stepped into professional football management for the first time, being appointed head coach of Real Oviedo until June 2028, the Spanish second-division club confirmed on Monday, 11 November 2026. The 49-year-old takes charge of a side playing in La Liga SmartBank, Spain's second tier, in what marks one of the most high-profile managerial appointments in that division's recent history.
Why Calero Was Replaced
Raúl's appointment followed Real Oviedo's decision to terminate the contract of Julián Calero, whose deal ran until 30 June 2027. The sacking was notable in that it came despite the team recording a recent run of positive results. Calero's entire coaching staff also departed the Carlos Tartiere along with him.
Official Club Confirmation
'Real Oviedo has reached an agreement to hire Raúl González Blanco as the new first-team coach until June 2028,' the Asturian club said in an official statement. The club added that the new manager would not make any public comments ahead of his formal presentation. Raúl is set to take the touchline for the first time as the Oviedo head coach on Saturday in a home fixture against Girona FC at the Carlos Tartiere.
A Playing Career of Historic Proportions
Born on 27 June 1977 in Madrid, Raúl built his legendary status across 16 seasons and 741 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 323 goals — a club record that stood until Cristiano Ronaldo surpassed it in 2015. During his time in white, he lifted three UEFA Champions League titles and six La Liga trophies. After leaving the Spanish capital, he represented Schalke 04, Al-Sadd Sports Club, and the New York Cosmos before retiring in 2015.
Coaching Career at Real Madrid's Academy
Raúl began his managerial career within the Real Madrid youth setup in 2018, initially overseeing the Under-16 B and Under-18 B sides. He progressed to lead the Under-19 A team in 2020, guiding them to the UEFA Youth League title. He subsequently managed Real Madrid Castilla, the club's reserve side, for six seasons, earning broad recognition as a methodical and thoughtful coach before accepting his first senior professional role.
What Comes Next
Raúl's arrival at Real Oviedo will be closely watched by the Spanish football world as a litmus test of whether one of the game's most revered figures can translate youth and reserve-team success to competitive senior management. His debut on the touchline against Girona FC this Saturday will offer a first glimpse of his approach at professional level.
Point of View
But it carries real logic — his six seasons at Castilla were spent developing young players in Spain's fourth tier under intense scrutiny, which is better preparation than the punditry route many legends take. The harder question is whether his patient, developmental style translates to the survival-and-promotion pressure of La Liga SmartBank. Oviedo sacked a coach despite winning games, suggesting boardroom impatience that could conflict with Raúl's long-game instincts. How he manages that tension will be the real story of this appointment.
NationPress
9 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Raúl González Blanco and why is his appointment significant?
Raúl González Blanco is a former Real Madrid striker widely regarded as one of the club's greatest players, having scored 323 goals in 741 appearances across 16 seasons. His appointment as Real Oviedo head coach is significant because it marks his first senior professional management role, drawing international attention to a Spanish second-division club.
Why was Julián Calero dismissed by Real Oviedo?
Real Oviedo terminated Julián Calero's contract, which was due to run until 30 June 2027, to make way for Raúl's appointment. The decision was notable because it came despite the team recently returning to winning form, suggesting the club prioritised the high-profile hire over continuity.
What is Raúl's coaching background before Real Oviedo?
Raúl began coaching within Real Madrid's youth academy in 2018, working with the Under-16 B and Under-18 B teams before leading the Under-19 A side to the UEFA Youth League title in 2020. He then managed Real Madrid Castilla, the club's reserve team, for six seasons before accepting the Oviedo post.
When does Raúl take charge of his first game at Real Oviedo?
Raúl is set to manage his first competitive match as Real Oviedo head coach on Saturday against Girona FC at the Carlos Tartiere stadium. He will not make public statements before his official presentation to the media.
What trophies did Raúl win as a player at Real Madrid?
Raúl won three UEFA Champions League titles and six La Liga trophies during his 16 seasons at Real Madrid. His tally of 323 goals in 741 games was the club's all-time scoring record until Cristiano Ronaldo surpassed it in 2015.
