Cristiano Ronaldo vs Raul Gonzalez: statistics of the Real Madrid legends

Cristiano Ronaldo and Raul Gonzalez are two of the most iconic names in the history of Real Madrid. Both players left an indelible mark on the club, but their contributions and playing styles were noticeably different. In this comparison, we will focus on the statistics that defined their legacies at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Goals with Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo: An unstoppable scorer

Cristiano Ronaldo scored 450 goals in 438 matches for Real Madrid, achieving an unprecedented average of 1.03 goals per match in the club's history. During his time at the team (2009-2018), he led the scoring charts in multiple seasons and broke historic records.

• Highest number of goals in a single season: 61 goals (2014-2015).
• Top scorer in international competitions for the club: 105 goals in the Champions League.

Raul Gonzalez: Consistency over time

Raul scored 323 goals in 741 matches, with an average of 0.44 goals per match. While his average is lower than Ronaldo's, his longevity and consistency at Real Madrid make him a legendary figure. He played 16 seasons for the club (1994-2010), holding the record as the club's top scorer until Ronaldo surpassed it.

• Top scorer for the club until 2015.
• 71 goals in European competitions, the historical leader before Ronaldo's era.

Goals in international competitions

The UEFA Champions League is one of the best indicators of a player's legacy at Real Madrid. Ronaldo and Raul dominated this competition during their respective eras.

• Cristiano Ronaldo: 105 goals in 101 matches in the Champions League, winning the tournament 4 times (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018).
• Raul Gonzalez: 66 goals in 130 matches in the Champions League, winning the tournament 3 times (1998, 2000, 2002).

While Raul was a standout in his time, Ronaldo raised the bar by becoming the top scorer in the competition’s history.

Assists and collective play

Beyond their scoring abilities, both players contributed to the team's success with key assists, showing they were much more than just finishers.

Cristiano Ronaldo

• Assists with Real Madrid: 131, highlighting his ability to link up with players like Benzema and Bale.
• His vision and ability to create opportunities cemented him as a complete attacker.

Raul Gonzalez

• Assists with Real Madrid: 83, making him an ideal partner for attackers like Morientes and Ronaldo Nazario.
• His tactical intelligence positioned him as a key player in the team’s offensive setup.

Participation in titles with Real Madrid

Both players were fundamental to the team’s collective successes, though their eras reflect different levels of European and domestic dominance.

• Cristiano Ronaldo: Won 15 titles with Real Madrid, including 4 Champions League, 2 LaLiga titles, and 3 Club World Cups. He was the driving force behind the team’s most successful European era.
• Raul Gonzalez: Won 16 titles, including 3 Champions League and 6 LaLiga titles. His leadership and consistency guided the team through a period of transition.

Impact in finals

The ability to shine in key moments is another critical measure of a player’s legacy at Real Madrid. In this regard, Ronaldo stands out for his effectiveness in major matches.

• Cristiano Ronaldo: 15 goals in finals with Real Madrid, including a brace in the 2017 Champions League final against Juventus.
• Raul Gonzalez: 7 goals in finals, including his iconic goal in the 2000 Champions League final against Valencia.

Both players proved to be decisive, but Ronaldo elevated this ability to another level in the most important competitions.

Recent news about their legacy

Although they have both left the club, the impact of Cristiano Ronaldo and Raul Gonzalez remains relevant. As of January 2025, Ronaldo is recognized as the all-time top scorer in professional football with 917 goals in his career. Meanwhile, Raul continues to contribute to Real Madrid as the coach of Castilla, nurturing young talents aspiring to follow in his footsteps.

What you need to know about Cristiano Ronaldo and Raul at Real Madrid

• Cristiano Ronaldo scored 450 goals in 438 matches, while Raul Gonzalez scored 323 goals in 741 games.
• Ronaldo leads as Real Madrid's top scorer in the Champions League with 105 goals, while Raul has 66 goals in the competition.
• Ronaldo registered 131 assists with the club, compared to Raul's 83 assists.
• Ronaldo won 4 Champions League titles with Real Madrid, while Raul won the tournament 3 times.
• In finals, Ronaldo scored 15 goals, while Raul scored 7 in decisive matches.