Raúl González Appointed Real Oviedo Manager Until June 2028

Raúl González Blanco took charge as the new head manager of Real Oviedo on a contract running until June 2028, a long-term project launched by the Asturian club to steer its sporting direction.

The appointment comes just hours after the dismissal of Julián Calero, a departure that arrived immediately following Oviedo’s victory in Cádiz. El País reported that the club opted for a shift in direction and entrusted its future project to Raúl, despite the team remaining active in its sporting objectives under the previous manager.

Raúl, 49, takes on the first senior management challenge of his career after spending eight years inside Real Madrid’s youth and reserve structures. His official debut on the blue bench will arrive this coming Saturday against Girona at the Carlos Tartiere stadium.

Long before signing his managerial contract, Raúl shared history with the Asturian club dating back to his earliest days as a player. He made his debut for Real Madrid’s senior side by scoring a goal at the old Carlos Tartiere in a friendly match organized to celebrate Robert Prosinecki’s signing with Oviedo. The club’s official accounts brought back that early memory to announce his arrival.

During his playing career, Raúl spent more than 15 seasons in Real Madrid’s first team before spells with Schalke 04 in Germany, Al-Sadd in Qatar, and the New York Cosmos in the United States until his retirement in 2015.

He transitioned to coaching inside Madrid’s youth academy in 2018, leading Cadete B and Juvenil B before winning the UEFA Youth League with Juvenil A in 2020. He then managed Real Madrid Castilla for six seasons.

The Oviedo board placed the club’s sporting project in the hands of one of Spanish football’s most recognizable figures after years of speculation regarding his future at Valdebebas. El País reported that the club has not specified the exact date for his official presentation, though officials confirmed the new manager will not make public statements until that event takes place.

The immediate test for the squad arrives Saturday at the Tartiere against Girona, marking the start of a tenure across Spanish football.

More on this story: Real Oviedo Dismisses Julián Calero; Raúl González Named New Manager