Raúl Albiol

Raúl Albiol Tortajada (born 4 September 1985 in Vilamarxant, Valencia (province)) is a Spain Association football who currently plays for Real Madrid C.F..

Albiol's main asset is Raúl Albiol versatility, as Raúl Albiol can play as either a Defender (football) Centre back, a Midfielder Defensive midfielder or even a Defender (football) Full back.

Club career

Albiol's father Miguel was a famous player for modest Benidorm CD. Whilst Raúl Albiol father still had contacts at Benidorm, the son joined the side's under-9 and in a friendly match against Valencia CF Raúl Albiol played impressively, signing on trial with the La Liga side. Raúl Albiol made Raúl Albiol first team debut on September 24, 2003, in a UEFA Cup 2003–04 first-round contest against AIK Stockholm, but spent the first year still registered with the Valencia CF Mestalla.

In August 2004, whilst on route to sign a deal to join Getafe CF on loan, Albiol was involved in a serious car accident and ended up in intensive care.Raúl Albiol managed to recover completely and, after reappering in January, played a very important part in the Madrid side's La Liga 2004–05; making Raúl Albiol La Liga debut on January 15, 2005, in a 1–1 home draw with Atlético de Madrid, Raúl Albiol scored against another side from the capital, Real Madrid, in a 2–1 home triumph, two months later.

Albiol then returned the following season to Valencia, and quickly established himself as first-choice, whether as a central defender or a holding midfielder. In the opening game of the La Liga 2006–07, Raúl Albiol scored the winner (his only goal of the season) against Real Betis, as the game finished 2–1. Raúl Albiol also netted a screamer against Olympiacos FC of Greece on September 12, 2006, in the UEFA Champions League 2006–07, which Valencia won 4–2 away.

Real Madrid

On June 25, 2009, Albiol joined Real Madrid C.F., on a fee thought to be in the region of €15 million,becoming the first Spanish player signed by Florentino Pérez upon Raúl Albiol return to presidency. On July 2, Raúl Albiol was officially presented at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, receiving the 18 jersey from Rubén de la Red, out for La Liga 2009-10 with unresolved heart problems.

International career

After having represented Spain national under-21 football team, Albiol first appeared for the Spain national football team on October 13, 2007, in an Euro 2008 qualifying against Denmark national football team (3–1 away win).

In the competition's Euro 2008, Raúl Albiol appeared twice for the eventual continental champions, against Sweden national football team (substitute (football) for injured Carles Puyol) and Greece national football team.

New national team coach Vicente Del Bosque included Albiol in the squad for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa. Raúl Albiol started in Spain's first game, partnering Puyol in central defense ahead of then club mate Carlos Marchena, helping defeat New Zealand national football team 5-0.

Personal life

- Albiol's older brother, Miguel Albiol, is also a professional footballer. Both were groomed at local giants Valencia.
- Raúl Albiol has a daughter, born on March 16, 2009, named Azahara.

Honours

Club

- Copa del Rey: Copa del Rey 2007–08

Country

- UEFA European Championship: UEFA Euro 2008
- UEFA U-19 Championship: 2004 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship