Raúl's performances for Spain have since mirrored the nation's fortunes, Spain being dubbed the Raúl made his national team debut against the Czech Republic in October 1996. He scored nine times in his first season from 28 appearances, including one in his second game against Atlético, and won the Spanish La Liga championship. In doing so, he nudged aside 1991 Pichichi Trophy winner Emilio Butragueño, and was soon well on the way to becoming Spain's new sensation. At just 17 years and four months, Raúl became the youngest player ever to wear a Real Madrid shirt.
In October 1994, head coach Jorge Valdano picked the gifted teenager in his first team. He began the 1994-95 season in Madrid's "C" team, and scored 13 goals in the seven games. In 1993-94, he began the season with the Juvenil B team, moved on to Juvenil A, and was promoted to the Under-19 División de Honor team. Raúl again won another Cadete title.
Real Madrid scouts quickly signed Raúl and he started the 1992-93 season with the Cadete A. Raúl rose through the ranks, winning the national title with the Under-15 youth team (cadete), and seemed destined to join the professional side when Atlético president Jesús Gil dissolved the club's entire youth scheme in an effort to save money. After winning his spurs as a member of provincial amateur team San Cristóbal de los Ángeles, his father signed him up for Atlético Madrid at the age of 13. Raúl was born in the Madrid suburb of Marconi de San Cristóbal de los Ángeles.
In October 1994, head coach Jorge Valdano picked the gifted teenager in his first team. He began the 1994-95 season in Madrid's "C" team, and scored 13 goals in the seven games. In 1993-94, he began the season with the Juvenil B team, moved on to Juvenil A, and was promoted to the Under-19 División de Honor team. Raúl again won another Cadete title.
Real Madrid scouts quickly signed Raúl and he started the 1992-93 season with the Cadete A. Raúl rose through the ranks, winning the national title with the Under-15 youth team (cadete), and seemed destined to join the professional side when Atlético president Jesús Gil dissolved the club's entire youth scheme in an effort to save money. After winning his spurs as a member of provincial amateur team San Cristóbal de los Ángeles, his father signed him up for Atlético Madrid at the age of 13. Raúl was born in the Madrid suburb of Marconi de San Cristóbal de los Ángeles.