ormer Spain and Real Madrid legend Raul Gonzalez retired from football on Monday after claiming the NASL league title with the New York Cosmos.
Raul scored 323 goals in 741 games across 16 seasons as a Madrid player, a record only recently beaten by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Here, we look back at his most defining moments in a Real shirt.
– #360view: Raul gave Real's Galacticos a local identity
– RECAP: Real Madrid legend Raul bows out of football
MADRID HOME DEBUT AND FIRST GOAL
November 5, 1994
Raul had made his debut a week earlier at Real Zaragoza – aged 17 years and 124 days – but was named as a starter for his first senior game at the Bernabeu in the derby.
Madrid ran out 4-2 winners, Raul claiming the third with a fine finish after Michael Laudrup’s dribble and pass.
SILENCING THE NOU CAMP
October 13, 1999
Raul twice had the chance to join Barca but admitted he could never play for the Catalans.
In 1999, Madrid were trailing 2-1 in the Clasico inside a boisterous Nou Camp, but in the 86th minute Raul sped onto a loose ball and lobbed Barca keeper Ruud Hesp.
You could hear a pin drop.
DEADLY DOUBLE AGAINST MANCHESTER UNITED
April 8, 2003
A performance that led United manager Sir Alex Ferguson to describe him as “the best player in the world”.
With Madrid leading the first-leg of their Champions League quarter-final 1-0, Raul scored his first with a sharp turn past Rio Ferdinand before adding a second with a well-struck 20-yarder.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL GLORY
May 24, 2000
It wasn’t his first European crown but it was the final where he perhaps had his biggest impact.
Fernando Morientes’ header and Steve McManaman’s volley had Madrid 2-0 up before 15 minutes from time, Raul sped away on the counter before rounding Santiago Canizares and slotting a third.
BECOMING MADRID'S ALL-TIME SCORER
February 15, 2009
A record that has since, of course, been broken but Cristiano Ronaldo but Alfredo di Stefano’s mark of 308 had stood for 35 years before Raul came along.
He sealed his place in history in a 2-0 win over Numancia, scoring the first with a tap-in in the 48th minute.