Real Oviedo has appointed former Real Madrid and Spain forward Raúl González as their new head coach, signing the 49-year-old to a contract that runs until June 2028.
The move, announced by the Spanish second-division club on Monday, November 9, 2026, marks the first senior professional managerial role for the Madrid legend.
Raúl assumes leadership of the first team after spending six years managing Real Madrid Castilla. He departed the club’s reserve side in 2025, having previously guided the under-19s to a UEFA Youth League title in 2020.
His coaching journey began in 2018 with the club’s youth system, specifically the Cadete B and Juvenil B squads, before moving to the reserve team in 2019. Over those six seasons, he managed 209 games, recording 82 wins, 70 draws, and 57 losses. He twice led Castilla to promotion playoffs for the second division, though the step up remained elusive during his tenure.
Comunicado oficial. Raúl González, nuevo entrenador del Real Oviedo 📲 https://t.co/guFbwhx6wI#RealOviedo 🔵⚪ pic.twitter.com/EVXKXf7t1D
While his time at Castilla focused on the development of prospects, the role at Oviedo presents a different challenge in the Segunda División. His appointment follows the dismissal of Julián Calero, who was let go on Monday despite a 2-1 league win over Cádiz on November 7.
The dismissal came at the direction of CF Pachuca, the club’s largest stakeholder, following an assessment of the team’s performance, which included earlier losses to Las Palmas and the fourth-division side Numancia in the Copa del Rey.
🚨🇪🇸 Raúl Gonzalez Blanco signs in as new Real Oviedo head coach, agreement confirmed. Former Real Madrid Castilla manager and legend of the club, set for new chapter. 💙🤍 pic.twitter.com/ZvWsLwCdNf
President Martín Peláez noted that the board prioritized a philosophy centered on initiative and attacking football. Sporting director David Hernández also knew the former striker's work from his time at the Bernabéu, increasing the board's confidence in the hire. Regarding his own expectations for the squad, Raúl emphasized a commitment to hard work.
My way of understanding football is with respecting the talent [in the squad] but asking for unconditional effort,
Raúl González, Real Oviedo manager
He further highlighted the importance of the team’s connection with the supporters, stating:
The team has to fight from the first minute to the last for victory so the fans are proud of them.
Raúl González, Real Oviedo manager
The club’s ownership, Grupo Pachuca, played a decisive role in the coaching change. Peláez revealed that the board consulted various figures within the Real Madrid orbit before finalizing their choice. One specific piece of counsel proved particularly influential in their selection process.
Do not hesitate, this does not require thinking, Raúl is the coach you are looking for,
Peláez recalled being told by an advisor within the Real Madrid circle.
🚨 JUST IN: Raúl to Real Oviedo is ALMOST DONE. It is only pending confirmation. @MarioCortegana pic.twitter.com/UljLDmfbxj
Media interest following the announcement was high. This intense spotlight reflects his historic career, during which he appeared in 741 matches for Real Madrid, winning three Champions League titles and six La Liga trophies. His record of 323 goals for the club stood until it was surpassed by Cristiano Ronaldo in 2015, and he remains a celebrated figure who also earned 102 caps for the Spanish national team.
Raúl’s tenure officially begins this week as he prepares the squad for their upcoming match. He conducted his first training session at the El Requexón base on Tuesday. He will make his managerial debut at home against Girona on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at the Carlos Tartiere Stadium.
🚨 OFFICIAL: Raúl is the new manager of Real Oviedo! Good luck legend! pic.twitter.com/pNFli86tj7
The match carries tactical importance, as both teams currently share 21 points after 13 games. He will be supported on the bench by his confirmed coaching staff, which includes Raúl Valbuena, Marcos Jiménez, and Fabio Nevado.
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🚨 NEW: Raúl is set to sign a contract with Real Oviedo until 2028 – pending final details. @MarioCortegana pic.twitter.com/GVzhOLNGin
