Raúl González takes charge of Oviedo as club eyes top‑flight return

Former Real Madrid striker Raúl González, 49, has been appointed head coach of Real Oviedo, marking his first senior managerial role, with a contract running until June 2028. The club hopes his experience will aid their push to return to the Primera División.

González' appointment was confirmed on Monday, only hours after the club dismissed Julián Calero despite the latter’s 2-1 victory over Cádiz. The decision was taken shortly after that win.

Oviedo currently sit ninth in the Segunda División after 13 matchdays and are just one point away from the playoff places. The team has played 13 matches in the league this season.

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González, the former Merengue forward, has only coached within Real Madrid’s youth system, including six seasons with Castilla. He began his coaching career in the Real Madrid academy before taking charge of the reserve side.

González guided the U19 squad to the 2020 UEFA Youth League title. The triumph came in the 2020 competition with the club’s under‑19 team.

González is the third‑highest scorer for Real Madrid with 323 goals, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. His tally makes him the club’s third‑all‑time top scorer.

González also played for Schalke 04, Al Sadd and New York Cosmos before hanging up his boots in 2015. He retired after spells in Germany, Qatar and the United States.

González earned 102 caps for España between 1996 and 2006, netting 44 goals. He represented the national side over a decade.

González will debut as Oviedo manager on Saturday against Girona, with the aim of returning the team to the Primera after last season’s relegation. Oviedo finished last in the top flight the previous campaign and are eager to bounce back.