After an eight-month absence from competitive football, Spanish defender Sergio Ramos is set to resume his illustrious career in a new continent. The 38-year-old has signed with Mexican club Monterrey, one of the top teams in Liga MX, offering him a chance to compete in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.
Ramos, a World Cup winner with Spain in 2010, has not played an official match since May 2023, when he was with Sevilla in La Liga. Monterrey, commonly known as Rayados, confirmed his signing but did not disclose the details of the agreement.
Monterrey’s Long Pursuit
Monterrey’s team president, José Antonio Noriega, revealed that the club had been attempting to sign Ramos since last summer.
“We have been trying to sign him since last summer, but we did not come to terms and we tried again in this new window,” Noriega stated. “The team needs him, he has quality, enormous experience, enormous personality, and he is an undisputed leader.”
Monterrey is one of Mexico’s most financially powerful clubs and has consistently been among the strongest teams in Liga MX. The club is also set to participate in the first edition of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, which will be held in the United States next summer. Alongside Monterrey, fellow Mexican clubs León and Pachuca will also take part in the competition.
Ramos’ career has been nothing short of legendary. The veteran defender spent 16 seasons with Real Madrid, where he won five La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies. He also played a key role in Spain’s dominant international era, securing the Euro 2012 title in addition to the 2010 World Cup.
His arrival in Mexico marks a significant move for both Liga MX and Monterrey, as the league continues to attract top international talent. Ramos is expected to bring leadership and experience to Monterrey’s backline, bolstering their domestic and international ambitions.
As the football world eagerly awaits his return to the pitch, all eyes will be on how the seasoned Spaniard adapts to Mexican football and whether he can lead Rayados to success on the continental stage.
