He played for Real Madrid, was imprisoned and now dedicates himself to decorating interiors

In the golden age of football known as the era of “Los Galacticos”, Real Madrid he shone with stars like Zinedine Zidane. This team won trophies such as the Champions League, leaving an indelible mark in the history of sports. Among them, although in a more discreet role, was Raul Bravowhich went from glory to shadows.

Bravo shared a locker room with soccer giants, but his career took an unexpected turn after retiring from the sport. Today, it is recognized as interior designer, standing out among the best in the world in a field that he never imagined he would dominate. How was your transition? This is your story.

What was Raúl Bravo’s career like?

The former athlete was born on April 14, 1981 in Gandia, Spainwithin a humble family. His love for soccer began in his childhood, when he played on local teams and dreamed of reaching the top. From a young age, he showed talent for defending, standing out for his speed and determination as left side.

His opportunity came when he entered the youth ranks of the real Madrid. In 2001, he debuted with the first team, becoming part of a stellar group during the era of “The Galactics.” Although he was not a central figure like Zidane or Beckhamhis contribution was fundamental in key games. Bravo played more than 130 matches with the club, winning titles such as La League in 2003 and 2007.

“It was a dream to play alongside my idols. Seeing Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos in the locker room was incredible“, recalled the side. Although his role on the team was less prominent, his discipline kept him at the highest level for several seasons.

In 2007, the footballer left Real to continue his career in the Olympiacos of Greece, where he won several local titles and became a player appreciated by the fans. Later, he went through more modest clubs before hanging up his boots in 2017. “Football gave me everything, but it also “It left me with a huge void when I retired.”he confessed and added: “”When I left football, the first year was very complicated. You don’t even know where you are. It’s a very ugly feeling, and it happens to all players.”

What happened to Raúl Bravo after retirement

After saying goodbye to the playing fields, Raúl faced serious personal problems. His sports betting addiction took him to lose more than 700,000 euros and, according to him, it made him “hate football.” In 2019, it was arrested within the framework of the “Operation Oikos”accused of leading a match betting network. He spent a brief time in prison before being released on bail.

“It’s worse than drugs“, he declared about gambling addiction, a problem that dragged him into a dark stage of his life. Finally, in March 2023, he was acquitted of the charges as insufficient evidence was found against him. This experience marked him deeply, but also prompted him to seek a different purpose. “I didn’t want to continue living like this. I needed to start over“he stated.

What does Raúl Bravo do today?

Far from scandals and football, Bravo found his true passion in interior decoration. This interest arose when he began invest in real estate, remodeling and decoratingor the properties you acquired before selling them. “I bought several houses and decorated them in my own way. In the end, clients asked me where I had studied design,” he recalled with a smile.

His practical approach and attention to detail positioned him as one of the most prominent in the sector. “It’s a completely different world to football, but here you also have to fight to be the best,” he commented.

Today, Raúl Bravo enjoys a quiet and successful life. “I am very happy with what I do. I enjoy it and I have a great time,” he declared. His story is an example of resilience, demonstrating that, even after the hardest falls, it is possible to reinvent oneself and shine on a new path.