Raúl Bravo, one of the key figures during Real Madrid’s "Zidanes and Pavones" era, has found a new passion far from the football pitch. 

The former defender, who famously replaced Zinedine Zidane in the Frenchman’s last match with the club, recently shared his journey in an interview with AS, detailing his transition from professional footballer to interior designer.

Bravo opened up about the difficulties of adjusting to life after football. "When I retired, the first year was very tough. You don’t even know where you are. It’s a horrible feeling, and all players go through it," he admitted. 

However, he soon discovered a passion for interior design that helped him overcome that challenging phase. "I loved thinking about and designing homes, but when clients would ask where I studied or what qualifications I had, I’d tell them, 'Nowhere.' It wasn’t easy," he recalled.

Using the money he had saved during his football career, Bravo decided to invest in several properties, which he then renovated and decorated with his own creative ideas. What started as a personal project quickly grew into a business. "I bought a few houses and decorated them my way. Then, I started selling them. The houses worked, my friend. They have lights, hot water… (he smiles). And that's how it all started," he explained.

His Instagram account has since become a showcase of his interior design work, drawing attention from potential buyers. "I guess people liked my work because I started selling the homes," he added.

Today, Raúl Bravo feels fulfilled in his new career as an interior designer, far from the spotlight of football, but with the same passion and dedication that once defined his play on the pitch.