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Sergio Ramos takes on an unusual challenge: The Spanish legend joins Monterrey at 38

4. February 2025
(foto: Instagram)
The Real Madrid and Spain icon, despite being clubless for six months, is set to embark on a surprising journey in Mexico's Liga MX instead of retiring or opting for a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia or MLS.

Sergio Ramos is a footballer who has never followed conventional paths. At 38 years old (soon to be 39 in March), the legendary Spanish defender has won everything in the game: a World Cup, two European Championships, five La Liga titles, and four Champions League trophies with Real Madrid. He even added two Ligue 1 titles during his brief spell at Paris Saint-Germain.

After leaving PSG in 2023, Ramos returned to his boyhood club Sevilla, where many expected him to retire. However, it turns out his journey is far from over. Despite being without a club for half a year, Ramos is not ready to hang up his boots. Instead of heading to MLS or Saudi Arabia like many of his contemporaries, he has taken an unexpected turn—signing with Mexican giants CF Monterrey.

Why Mexico? Understanding Ramos’ Unusual Move

While Liga MX may not have the global recognition of Europe’s elite leagues, it is North America’s strongest domestic league and ranks among the best in Latin America—behind only Brazil and Argentina in terms of strength. According to the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS), Liga MX is currently the 10th strongest league in the world.

Unlike some retirement leagues, Mexican football is known for its passionate fanbase, large stadiums, and high level of competition. Matches regularly attract crowds of 40,000+, and the country has produced some of the biggest footballing talents in history. The league also features elite South American players, including James Rodríguez (Club León) and André-Pierre Gignac (Tigres).

Ramos’ decision to play in Mexico instead of Saudi Arabia or MLS highlights that he still wants to compete at a high level, in front of full stadiums and against quality opposition.

Monterrey: A Historic Club with Passionate Supporters

Club de Fútbol Monterrey is one of Mexico’s most historic and well-supported clubs. Founded in 1945, the team—nicknamed Los Rayados—has won five Liga MX titles and is one of the biggest names in Mexican football.

Monterrey is owned by Mexican multinational giant FEMSA, and they play at the modern Estadio BBVA, which holds over 53,000 spectators. The club is famous for its rivalry with Tigres, known as the Clásico Regiomontano, which is one of the fiercest derbies in Latin America. Their final match of the previous season against Club América attracted over 52,000 fans.

In recent years, Monterrey has consistently challenged for the Liga MX title and has performed well in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Ramos' arrival further strengthens their ambitions.

Ramos Joins Familiar Faces and an Ambitious Project

One of the key reasons Ramos accepted Monterrey’s $4 million-per-year offer was the presence of fellow Spaniards in the squad:

  • Oliver Torres (30) – Former Atlético Madrid, Porto, and Sevilla midfielder.
  • Sergio Canales (33) – Former Real Madrid and Real Betis playmaker, whom Monterrey signed for €10 million from Betis.

Additionally, Monterrey’s manager is Martín Demichelis, the former Bayern Munich, Atlético Madrid, and Manchester City defender. Demichelis has impressed in his early managerial career, nearly leading Monterrey to a Liga MX title in his first season.

A Struggling Defense in Need of Reinforcements

Monterrey’s defense has been shaky in the early rounds of the Clausura 2025 tournament. In their first four matches, they have yet to win and have conceded eight goals. Ramos’ experience and leadership will be crucial in stabilizing the backline.

While some may view his move to Mexico as a step down, it is important to recognize that Liga MX is far from a retirement league. It remains a highly competitive environment, and Ramos will still be playing at a high level.

A Win-Win Situation for Both Sides

For Monterrey, the signing of Ramos is a massive statement. They have landed one of the biggest footballing names of the last two decades, and his arrival will undoubtedly boost the club’s profile, ticket sales, and commercial revenue.

For Ramos, the move provides him with an opportunity to continue competing while still earning a lucrative salary. He has proven time and again that he thrives in competitive environments, and this will be another challenge for him to conquer.

Despite being without a club for months, Ramos is determined to show that he is far from finished. His move to Monterrey is not just about prolonging his career—it is about proving that, even at 38 years old, he remains a world-class defender.

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