Raúl Campos Paíno has announced on social media his retirement from the Spanish National Team. As captain of Spain during the Uzbekistan World Cup, he concludes an 11-year international career, during which he played 136 matches, scored 93 goals, and won the 2016 European Championship. Approaching his 37th birthday, Campos will now focus on his club, Quesos El Hidalgo Manzanares, where he remains under contract until June 30, 2025. He took over the captaincy from Carlos Ortiz on September 16, 2022, in a match against Argentina.
Where he scored two goals in his 11th appearance. His retirement marks the beginning of a generational shift that the future coach, likely Jesús Velasco, will need to manage. Pending the official confirmation of Velasco’s appointment and the fate of current coach Fede Vidal within the Spanish Football Federation. Spain fielded the second-oldest team in the tournament, with an average age of 31.1 years, surpassed only by Brazil with 32.5.
Chorry
Nicknamed “Chorry” in his neighborhood of El Soto, Móstoles, and also known as the “Baby-Faced Assassin,” Campos reflects on achieving his dream of playing in three European Championships and two World Cups. He made his international debut on January 7, 2013, in Jaén against Turkey. He recalls the emotional experience of wearing the national team jersey for the first time. Unfortunately, his last memory with the national team is a disappointing one. As Spain was eliminated by Venezuela in the Round of 16 at the Uzbekistan World Cup.
In his farewell message, Raúl Campos acknowledged that while the results didn’t meet his expectations, he departs with a clear conscience. Knowing he gave his best in every match, always with honesty and dedication to the team. He expressed his intention to remain a supporter of the national team, especially in tough times. He shared his gratitude for the experiences he’s had, emphasizing his privilege to have represented his country. Also he thanked Venancio Lopez and Fede Vidal for their trust. The teammates, coaches, and friends he’s encountered along the way, leaving him with unforgettable memories.
Beyond Career
Beyond his career, Raúl Campos is deeply dedicated to his family, especially his daughters, Martina and Sofía. “They are my life; I would do anything for them,” he stated. Campos revealed that he considered leaving the sport to spend more time with his daughters, but Palma Futsal understood his situation and released him, allowing him to sign with Quesos El Hidalgo Manzanares in January 2022.
Now commuting daily from Móstoles to play for his team, he continues to celebrate his goals wearing his signature number 14, always dedicating them to his daughters by mimicking a gesture they used to make as children, imitating two bows on their heads. He even has a tattoo commemorating this. “They told me to celebrate like that when I scored, so I do,” he explained. Campos is a devoted family man, and seeing his loved ones in the stands still fills him with the same emotions as when he started his career. He thanked them for always being by his side, through the highs and lows, as they remain the central focus and passion in his life.
