Raúl Albiol is a World Cup-winning Spanish central defender whose career is a model of consistency, intelligence, and success at the very highest level. A product of the Valencia academy, he became a mainstay at the Mestalla before a high-profile transfer to Real Madrid in 2009. At Madrid, he won La Liga and the Copa del Rey, providing reliable cover and starting in many big games. A move to Napoli unlocked his leadership qualities, where he became a defensive cornerstone and captain, winning the Coppa Italia. He later enjoyed a successful spell at Villarreal before moving to Pisa. His international career is glittering, being part of the squads that won the 2010 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2012. A defender who relies on positioning and anticipation rather than brute force, Albiol's career is decorated with major honors and defined by his calm, authoritative presence at the heart of defence for club and country.