Raúl Albiol Tortajada is a Spanishprofessional footballer who plays for Real Madrid and the Spanish national team. Born in Vilamarxant, Valencia, Albiol started playing football with two modest clubs in the community, moving to local giantsValencia CF before celebrating his 10th birthday. He made his first-team debut on 24 September 2003 in a UEFA Cup first-round tieagainst AIK Fotboll. He made his La Liga debut on 15 January 2005 in a 1–1 home draw with Atlético Madrid, and scored against another club from the capital, Real Madrid. In the opening game of the 2006–07's league campaign he scored the winner (his only goal of the season) against Real Betis in a 2–1 home win. On 25 June 2009 Albiol joined Real Madrid, for a fee thought to be in the region of €15 million, becoming the first Spanish player signed by Florentino Pérez upon his return to the presidency. Albiol scored his first goal for the Merengues on 8 December, in a 3–1 Champions League win at Olympique de Marseille. On 6 August 2012, Albiol renewed his contract with Real Madrid until June 2017. After having represented Spain's U-21, Albiol first appeared for the main squad on 13 October 2007, in an UEFA Euro 2008 qualifieragainst Denmark. 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.
