Raúl González: A Tribute To the Leading Scorer in European Competitions

Raúl González not only helped his new team, FC Schalke 04 earn a tie away to Valencia Tuesday night, but he also put himself one more time into the record books. When Schalke coach, Felix Magath was asked about Raul's historic goal he said: "He is a genuine goal-scorer." 

With his goal scored in the 64th minute on Tuesday he now leads all scorers in the history of European Competitions with 71 goals.

Raul, now 33 years old is enjoying his first year playing outside of Spain in his career.

As a professional soccer player Raul made his way through the ranks of Real Madrid. At the age of 17, he was now a part of Real Madrid's C team.

After just 10 appearances between Real Madrid C and Real Madrid B, Raul had already scored 16 goals and was quickly making a name for himself in the Spanish capital.

He was promoted to Real Madrid's main squad by Jorge Valdano, making him the youngest player ever to start for the main squad. (17 years & 4 months) In his first season he was able to help Los Blancos win a Spanish title.

Raul would quickly begin making a name for himself with his pure class and killer instinct on the field. He had the opportunity along the way to play with some of the best professionals this sport has ever seen.

Playing alongside players such as Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, Ronaldo, Iker Casillas, Fernando Morientes and then some is not something many players can brag about.

Over 16 years playing at the Bernabeu he collected a number of collective and individual accolades along the way. He helped Real Madrid to six La Liga titles, four Spanish Super Cups, three Champions League titles and two Intercontinental Cups.

Interestingly enough Raul was never able to raise the Copa Del Rey title in his Real Madrid career.

In 2003, Raul took over as captain for Madrid after then captain, Fernando Hierro had been transferred. He held captaincy until leaving Los Merengues in 2010.

Raul was the first player to reach 50 goals in the Champions League. He also was the first to score in two Champions League finals, once against Valencia in 2000 and again against Bayern Leverkusen in 2002.

Over his long and amazing career, Raul has also never been issued a red card. That only goes to show the respect he has for the game and his opponents.

To date, Raul has 774 club level appearances and 337 goals. At the age of 33, there is a good chance that Raul will be able to add to the success and amazing legacy he has already built.

How many more years will he bless the soccer world with his presence on the pitch? His respect for the game, his attitude on the field and his mentality to always want more has made him a model athlete for many who idolize him.

Will he be able to leave his mark in the German Bundesliga as he did in Spain? He certainly will not be able to play as many seasons in Germany, but it’s almost certain that he will conquer the hearts of all FC Schalke 04 fans around the world if he hasn’t already.

Here are a few personal accolades Raul has achieved:

• Don Balón Award for Breakthrough Player in La Liga (1995)
• Premio Don Balón for Best Spanish player in La Liga (5): 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–00, 2000–01, 2001–02
• ESM Team of the Year (3): 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–00
• Zarra Trophy (4): 1995-96, 1998-99, 2000-01, 2002-03
• Intercontinental Cup Best Player: 1998
• IFFHS Best Forward: 1999
• Pichichi Trophy (2): 1999, 2001
• UEFA Champions League Top Scorer (2): 1999–2000, 2000–01
• UEFA Club Forward of the Year (3): 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2001–02
• Euro 2000 Team of the Tournament
• FIFA World Player of the Year Bronze Award: 2001
• Ballon d'Or Silver Award: 2001
• FIFA 100
• Trofeo Alfredo Di Stéfano: 2008
• Golden Foot award 2nd place: 2009
• In the World Team of the Decade by Mirror Football: 2009
• Marca Leyenda: 2009
• Real Madrid Record Goalscorer: 323 Goals
• Real Madrid Record Appearance Maker: 741 Games