Raúl Albiol
Encyclopedia
Raúl Albiol Tortajada is a Spanish
footballer who plays for Real Madrid
and the Spanish national team
.
His main asset is his versatility, as he can play as a central defender, right back or defensive midfielder.
, moving to local giants Valencia CF
before celebrating his 10th birthday. He made his first-team debut on 24 September 2003, at 18 years and four days, in a UEFA Cup first-round contest against AIK Fotboll
, but spent the first year still registered with the B side.
In August 2004, whilst travelling to sign a deal to join Getafe CF
on loan, Albiol was involved in a serious car accident, being put in intensive care. He managed to recover completely and, after reappearing in January, played a very important part in the Madrid
side surviving the relegation scrap
: he made his La Liga
debut on 15 January 2005, in a 1–1 home draw with Atlético de Madrid, he 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 due to his versatility. In the opening game of the 2006–07's league campaign, he scored the winner (his only goal of the season) against Real Betis
, as the game finished 2–1. He also scored from long distance against Olympiacos FC on 12 September 2006, in that year's UEFA Champions League
, which Valencia won 4–2 away. During his four-season spell with the first team, his smallest output consisted of 29 matches, and he helped the Che to the 2007–08 Copa del Rey
.
15 million, becoming the first Spanish player signed by Florentino Pérez
upon his return to the presidency. On 2 July, he was officially presented at the Santiago Bernabéu
, receiving the #18 jersey from Rubén de la Red
, who was absent for the season
due to unresolved heart problems.
Albiol scored his first goal for the Merengues on 8 December, in a 3–1 Champions League win at Olympique de Marseille
. During the league campaign
he was an undisputed starter for Real, mainly due to Pepe's serious knee
injury.
In 2010–11
, Albiol was relegated to the bench as Real Madrid brought in another player for his position, Ricardo Carvalho
(a compatriot of newly-appointed manager José Mourinho
), only appearing in the league through injury or suspension to teammates (Pepe again missed several matches due to physical problems). He did start, however, in the club's domestic cup campaign
, helping Real to reach the final
. On 26 January 2011, in the semi-final first leg against Sevilla FC
(1–0 away win), he cleared a Luís Fabiano
shot just before it crossed the goal line. On 16 April, he was sent off
for fouling former Valencia teammate David Villa
inside the box during the El Clásico
, which resulted in the first goal in a 1–1 home draw, going on to miss the Spanish Cup final four days later - through suspension - a 1–0 win against the same opponent.
, Albiol first appeared for the main squad
on 13 October 2007, in an UEFA Euro 2008 qualifier against Denmark
(3–1 away win). In the competition's final stages, he appeared twice for the eventual continental champions, against Sweden
(subbing in for the injured Carles Puyol
) and Greece
.
New national team coach Vicente Del Bosque
included Albiol in the squad for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup
in South Africa
. He started in Spain's first game, partnering Puyol in central defence ahead of Valencia teammate Carlos Marchena
, helping defeat New Zealand 5–0.
Albiol was picked for the 2010 FIFA World Cup
in South Africa
, but did not leave the bench for the eventual World champions, after having suffered an injury in training.
Real Madrid
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
footballer who plays for Real Madrid
Real Madrid C.F.
Real Madrid Club de Fútbol , commonly known as Real Madrid, is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain. The club have won a record 31 La Liga titles, the Primera División of the Liga de Fútbol Profesional , 18 Copas del Rey, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 1 Copa Eva Duarte and 1 Copa de la...
and the Spanish national team
Spain national football team
The Spain national football team represents Spain in international association football and is controlled by the Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain. The current head coach is Vicente del Bosque...
.
His main asset is his versatility, as he can play as a central defender, right back or defensive midfielder.
Valencia
Albiol started playing football with two modest clubs in the Valencian CommunityValencian Community
The Valencian Community is an autonomous community of Spain located in central and south-eastern Iberian Peninsula. Its capital and largest city is Valencia...
, moving to local giants Valencia CF
Valencia CF
Valencia Club de Fútbol is a Spanish football club based in Valencia, Spain. They play in La Liga and are one of the most successful and biggest clubs in Spanish Football and European Football. Valencia have won six La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey trophies, two Fairs Cups which was the...
before celebrating his 10th birthday. He made his first-team debut on 24 September 2003, at 18 years and four days, in a UEFA Cup first-round contest against AIK Fotboll
AIK Fotboll
AIK, , an abbreviation for Allmänna Idrottsklubben, , when needed internationally AIK Stockholm, is a Swedish football club based at Råsunda stadium in Solna, a municipality in Stockholm County bordering to Stockholm City Centre...
, but spent the first year still registered with the B side.
In August 2004, whilst travelling to sign a deal to join Getafe CF
Getafe CF
Getafe Club de Fútbol is a Spanish La Liga football club based in Getafe, a city in the Madrid metropolitan area, founded in 1946 and refounded in 1983.In the top level since 2004-05, it holds home games at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez....
on loan, Albiol was involved in a serious car accident, being put in intensive care. He managed to recover completely and, after reappearing in January, played a very important part in the Madrid
Madrid
Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain. The population of the city is roughly 3.3 million and the entire population of the Madrid metropolitan area is calculated to be 6.271 million. It is the third largest city in the European Union, after London and Berlin, and its metropolitan...
side surviving the relegation scrap
2004–05 La Liga
2004–05 season was composed of the following clubs:* Albacete Balompié* Athletic Bilbao* Atlético Madrid* FC Barcelona* Real Betis* Deportivo de La Coruña* Espanyol* Getafe CF* Levante UD* Málaga CF* Real Mallorca* CD Numancia* CA Osasuna...
: he made his La Liga
La Liga
The Primera División of the Liga Nacional de Fútbol Profesional , commonly known as La Liga or, for sponsorship reasons, Liga BBVA since 2008, is the top professional association football division of the Spanish football league system...
debut on 15 January 2005, in a 1–1 home draw with Atlético de Madrid, he scored against another side from the capital, Real Madrid
Real Madrid C.F.
Real Madrid Club de Fútbol , commonly known as Real Madrid, is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain. The club have won a record 31 La Liga titles, the Primera División of the Liga de Fútbol Profesional , 18 Copas del Rey, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 1 Copa Eva Duarte and 1 Copa de la...
, in a 2–1 home triumph, two months later.
Albiol then returned the following season to Valencia, and quickly established himself as first-choice due to his versatility. In the opening game of the 2006–07's league campaign, he scored the winner (his only goal of the season) against Real Betis
Real Betis
Real Betis Balompié S.A.D. is a Spanish football club based in Seville, in the autonomous community of Andalusia. Founded on 12 September 1907, it currently plays in La Liga, holding home games at Estadio Benito Villamarín....
, as the game finished 2–1. He also scored from long distance against Olympiacos FC on 12 September 2006, in that year's UEFA Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
, which Valencia won 4–2 away. During his four-season spell with the first team, his smallest output consisted of 29 matches, and he helped the Che to the 2007–08 Copa del Rey
Copa del Rey
The Copa del Rey is an annual football cup competition for Spanish football teams. Its full name is Campeonato de España – Copa de Su Majestad el Rey de Fútbol ....
.
Real Madrid
On 25 June 2009, Albiol joined Real Madrid, for a fee thought to be in the region of €Euro
The euro is the official currency of the eurozone: 17 of the 27 member states of the European Union. It is also the currency used by the Institutions of the European Union. The eurozone consists of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,...
15 million, becoming the first Spanish player signed by Florentino Pérez
Florentino Pérez
Florentino Pérez Rodríguez is a Spanish businessman, civil engineer, former politician, and current president of Real Madrid Club de Fútbol, as well as ACS...
upon his return to the presidency. On 2 July, he was officially presented at the Santiago Bernabéu
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
The Estadio Santiago Bernabéu is an all-seater football stadium in Madrid, Spain. It was inaugurated on 14 December 1947 and is owned by Real Madrid Club de Fútbol. It has a current capacity of 85,454 spectators....
, receiving the #18 jersey from Rubén de la Red
Rubén De la Red
Rubén de la Red Gutiérrez is a retired Spanish footballer who played as a central midfielder.He made a name for himself at Getafe after emerging through Real Madrid's cantera...
, who was absent for the season
2009–10 La Liga
- Personnel and sponsoring :- Before the start of the season :- During the season :-League table:||rowspan=1 style="background-color:#F9F9F9;"|||rowspan=1 style="background-color:#F9F9F9;"|...
due to unresolved heart problems.
Albiol scored his first goal for the Merengues on 8 December, in a 3–1 Champions League win at Olympique de Marseille
Olympique de Marseille
Olympique de Marseille is a French association football club based in Marseille. Founded in 1899, the club plays in Ligue 1 and have spent most of its history in the top tier of French football. Marseille have been French champions nine times and have won the Coupe de France a record ten times. In...
. During the league campaign
2009–10 La Liga
- Personnel and sponsoring :- Before the start of the season :- During the season :-League table:||rowspan=1 style="background-color:#F9F9F9;"|||rowspan=1 style="background-color:#F9F9F9;"|...
he was an undisputed starter for Real, mainly due to Pepe's serious knee
Knee
The knee joint joins the thigh with the leg and consists of two articulations: one between the fibula and tibia, and one between the femur and patella. It is the largest joint in the human body and is very complicated. The knee is a mobile trocho-ginglymus , which permits flexion and extension as...
injury.
In 2010–11
2010–11 La Liga
The 2010–11 La Liga season was the 80th since its establishment. The campaign began on 28 August 2010 and ended on 21 May 2011. A total of 20 teams contested the league, 17 of which already contested in the 2009–10 season and three of which were promoted from the Segunda División...
, Albiol was relegated to the bench as Real Madrid brought in another player for his position, Ricardo Carvalho
Ricardo Carvalho
Ricardo Alberto Silveira de Carvalho OIH , is a footballer who plays as a centre back for Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid.Carvalho was born in Amarante where he played for the local team, Amarante Futebol Clube. By his great performance as a youngster, he was spotted by the Portuguese powerhouse,...
(a compatriot of newly-appointed manager José Mourinho
José Mourinho
José Mário dos Santos Félix Mourinho is a Portuguese football manager and the current manager of Real Madrid. He is commonly known as "The Special One".Mourinho is regarded by some players, coaches and critics as the best ever coach in football....
), only appearing in the league through injury or suspension to teammates (Pepe again missed several matches due to physical problems). He did start, however, in the club's domestic cup campaign
2010–11 Copa del Rey
The 2010–11 Copa del Rey was the 107th staging of the Copa del Rey. The competition began on August 21, 2010 and ended on April 20, 2011 with the final, held at the Estadio Mestalla in Valencia, in which Real Madrid lifted the trophy for the eighteenth time in their history with a 1–0 victory over...
, helping Real to reach the final
2011 Copa del Rey Final
-Aftermath:Real Madrid players celebrated their victory that evening by riding a double-decker bus through Madrid where they were greeted by cheering crowds. While holding the trophy aloft, Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos dropped the cup in front of the bus, where it was crushed. Ramos later...
. On 26 January 2011, in the semi-final first leg against Sevilla FC
Sevilla FC
Sevilla Fútbol Club S.A.D. is a Spanish professional football club based in Seville, Spain that plays in the Spanish La Liga championship.They are one of the most successful clubs in Spanish football having won a 1 La Liga title, 5 Spanish "Copa del Rey" Cups, 1 Spanish Super Cup and 2 UEFA...
(1–0 away win), he cleared a Luís Fabiano
Luís Fabiano
Luís Fabiano Clemente , commonly known as Luís Fabiano, is a Brazilian footballer who currently plays for São Paulo and the Brazilian national football team as a striker.-Early career:...
shot just before it crossed the goal line. On 16 April, he was sent off
Ejection (sports)
In sports, an ejection is one of several disqualifying actions assessed to a player or coach by a game official , usually for unsportsmanlike conduct....
for fouling former Valencia teammate David Villa
David Villa
David Villa Sánchez , nicknamed , is a Spanish footballer who currently plays as a striker for FC Barcelona and the Spanish national football team. He can also operate as a winger....
inside the box during the El Clásico
El Clásico
El Clásico , also known as El derbi Español, is the name given in football to a match between Real Madrid and Barcelona. It is contested twice a year in the Spanish La Liga competition, and more often if the clubs meet in other competitions...
, which resulted in the first goal in a 1–1 home draw, going on to miss the Spanish Cup final four days later - through suspension - a 1–0 win against the same opponent.
International career
After having represented Spain's U-21Spain national under-21 football team
The Spain national under-21 football team, is the national under-21 football team of Spain and is controlled by the Royal Spanish Football Federation. The team, nicknamed La Rojita , competes in the biannual European Under-21 Football Championship.Following the realignment of UEFA's youth...
, Albiol first appeared for the main squad
Spain national football team
The Spain national football team represents Spain in international association football and is controlled by the Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain. The current head coach is Vicente del Bosque...
on 13 October 2007, in an UEFA Euro 2008 qualifier against Denmark
Denmark national football team
The Denmark national football team represents Denmark in association football and is controlled by the Danish Football Association , the governing body for the football clubs which are organized under DBU...
(3–1 away win). In the competition's final stages, he appeared twice for the eventual continental champions, against Sweden
Sweden national football team
The Swedish national football team represents Sweden in association football and is controlled by the Swedish Football Association, the governing body for Football in Sweden. Sweden's home ground is Råsunda Stadium in Stockholms län and their head coach is Erik Hamrén. Sweden made their first...
(subbing in for the injured Carles Puyol
Carles Puyol
Carles Puyol i Saforcada is a Spanish footballer who plays for FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team.Mainly a central defender, he can also play on either flank, especially as a right back...
) and Greece
Greece national football team
The Greece national football team represents Greece in association football and is controlled by the Hellenic Football Federation, the governing body for football in Greece. Greece's home ground is Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus and their head coach is Fernando Santos...
.
New national team coach Vicente Del Bosque
Vicente Del Bosque
Vicente del Bosque González, 1st Marquis of Del Bosque is a former Spanish footballer He is currently the manager of the Spanish national football team. After taking over from Luis Aragonés who had led Spain to European success in Euro 2008, Del Bosque went on to manage the national team to the...
included Albiol in the squad for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup
2009 FIFA Confederations Cup
The 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup was the eighth Confederations Cup, and was held in South Africa from 14 June to 28 June 2009 as a prelude to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The draw was held on 22 November 2008 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. The opening match was played at Ellis Park...
in South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
. He started in Spain's first game, partnering Puyol in central defence ahead of Valencia teammate Carlos Marchena
Carlos Marchena
Carlos Marchena López is a Spanish footballer who plays for Villarreal CF and the Spanish national team.Mainly a central defender with an aggressive approach, he can also pitch in as a defensive midfielder...
, helping defeat New Zealand 5–0.
Albiol was picked for the 2010 FIFA World Cup
2010 FIFA World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
in South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
, but did not leave the bench for the eventual World champions, after having suffered an injury in training.
Club statistics
Last update: 22 November 2011.| Club | Season | League | Cup | Europe | Total | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Valencia B | 2003–04 | 35 | 2 | 1 | 0 | – | 36 | 2 | |
| Total | 35 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 36 | 2 | |
| Getafe Getafe CF Getafe Club de Fútbol is a Spanish La Liga football club based in Getafe, a city in the Madrid metropolitan area, founded in 1946 and refounded in 1983.In the top level since 2004-05, it holds home games at the Coliseum Alfonso Pérez.... |
2004–05 2004–05 La Liga 2004–05 season was composed of the following clubs:* Albacete Balompié* Athletic Bilbao* Atlético Madrid* FC Barcelona* Real Betis* Deportivo de La Coruña* Espanyol* Getafe CF* Levante UD* Málaga CF* Real Mallorca* CD Numancia* CA Osasuna... |
17 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 1 |
| Total | 17 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 1 | |
| Valencia Valencia CF Valencia Club de Fútbol is a Spanish football club based in Valencia, Spain. They play in La Liga and are one of the most successful and biggest clubs in Spanish Football and European Football. Valencia have won six La Liga titles, seven Copa del Rey trophies, two Fairs Cups which was the... |
2005–06 2005–06 La Liga * Athletic Bilbao* Atlético Madrid* FC Barcelona* Betis* Cádiz CF* Celta de Vigo* Deportivo Alaves* Deportivo de La Coruña* Espanyol* Getafe CF* Málaga CF* RCD Mallorca* CA Osasuna* Racing de Santander* Real Madrid* Real Sociedad* Sevilla FC... |
29 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 29 | 1 |
| 2006–07 | 36 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 12 | 1 | 50 | 3 | |
| 2007–08 | 32 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 42 | 1 | |
| 2008–09 | 34 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 42 | 2 | |
| Total | 131 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 25 | 1 | 163 | 7 | |
| Real Madrid Real Madrid C.F. Real Madrid Club de Fútbol , commonly known as Real Madrid, is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain. The club have won a record 31 La Liga titles, the Primera División of the Liga de Fútbol Profesional , 18 Copas del Rey, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 1 Copa Eva Duarte and 1 Copa de la... |
2009–10 2009–10 La Liga - Personnel and sponsoring :- Before the start of the season :- During the season :-League table:||rowspan=1 style="background-color:#F9F9F9;"|||rowspan=1 style="background-color:#F9F9F9;"|... |
33 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 43 | 1 |
| 2010–11 2010–11 La Liga The 2010–11 La Liga season was the 80th since its establishment. The campaign began on 28 August 2010 and ended on 21 May 2011. A total of 20 teams contested the league, 17 of which already contested in the 2009–10 season and three of which were promoted from the Segunda División... |
20 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 32 | 0 | |
| 2011–12 2011–12 La Liga The 2011–12 La Liga season is the 81st since its establishment. Barcelona are the defending champions, having won their 21st La Liga title in the previous season for the third time in a row. The campaign began on 27 August 2011, and will end on 13 May 2012... |
3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 0 | |
| Total | 56 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 16 | 1 | 80 | 1 | |
| Career total | 239 | 8 | 16 | 1 | 41 | 2 | 296 | 11 | |
Club
Valencia- Copa del ReyCopa del ReyThe Copa del Rey is an annual football cup competition for Spanish football teams. Its full name is Campeonato de España – Copa de Su Majestad el Rey de Fútbol ....
: 2007–08
Real Madrid
- Copa del ReyCopa del ReyThe Copa del Rey is an annual football cup competition for Spanish football teams. Its full name is Campeonato de España – Copa de Su Majestad el Rey de Fútbol ....
: 2010–112010–11 Copa del ReyThe 2010–11 Copa del Rey was the 107th staging of the Copa del Rey. The competition began on August 21, 2010 and ended on April 20, 2011 with the final, held at the Estadio Mestalla in Valencia, in which Real Madrid lifted the trophy for the eighteenth time in their history with a 1–0 victory over... - Supercopa de EspañaSupercopa de EspañaThe Supercopa de España is a Spanish football championship contested by the winners of La Liga and the Copa del Rey...
: Runner-up 20112011 Supercopa de EspañaThe 2011 Supercopa de España was a two-legged Spanish football match-up that was played on 14 and 17 August 2011. It was contested by Real Madrid, the 2010–11 Copa del Rey winners, and Barcelona, the 2010–11 La Liga winners....
Country
- FIFA World CupFIFA World CupThe FIFA World Cup, often simply the World Cup, is an international association football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of Fédération Internationale de Football Association , the sport's global governing body...
: 20102010 FIFA World CupThe 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010... - UEFA European Football ChampionshipUEFA European Football ChampionshipThe UEFA European Football Championship is the main football competition of the men's national football teams governed by UEFA . Held every four years since 1960, in the even-numbered year between World Cup tournaments, it was originally called the UEFA European Nations Cup, changing to the current...
: 2008 - FIFA Confederations CupFIFA Confederations CupThe FIFA Confederations Cup is an association football tournament for national teams, currently held every four years by FIFA. It is contested by the winners of each of the six FIFA confederation championships , along with the FIFA World Cup winner and the host nation, to bring the number of teams...
: Third-place 20092009 FIFA Confederations CupThe 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup was the eighth Confederations Cup, and was held in South Africa from 14 June to 28 June 2009 as a prelude to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The draw was held on 22 November 2008 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. The opening match was played at Ellis Park... - UEFA U-19 ChampionshipUEFA European Under-19 Football ChampionshipThe European Under 19 Football Championship is an annual football competition organised by the sport's European governing body, UEFA. The competition has been held since 1948. It was originally called the FIFA junior tournament, until it was taken over by UEFA in 1955...
: 20042004 UEFA European Under-19 Football ChampionshipThe 2004 UEFA European Under-19 Football Championship was held in Switzerland from 13 to 24 July 2004. Players born after 1 January 1985 can participate in this competition...
Personal
- Albiol and his wife Alicia have two daughters, Azahara (born 16 March 2009) and Alma (7 January 2010).
- His older brother, MiguelMiguel AlbiolMiguel Albiol Tortajada is a Spanish footballer who plays for Real Murcia in the Spanish second division, mainly as a right midfielder....
, is also a footballer. A midfielder, he was also groomed at Valencia, playing one league match with the first team, but mainly represented Rayo VallecanoRayo VallecanoRayo Vallecano de Madrid, S.A.D., often abbreviated to Rayo, is a Spanish football team based in Madrid, in the neighbourhood of Vallecas...
; his father, also named Miguel, played lower league football mostly with Benidorm CF, and appeared in two Segunda DivisiónSegunda DivisiónThe Segunda División is the lower tier of the two professional football leagues in Spain. From the season 2008-09 onwards, the name of the league is Liga Adelante.-History:...
games for CE Sabadell FC in 1979–80.