Sergio Ramos sets goals with Monterrey and compares them to Real Madrid before his debut in the Club World Cup

After missing nearly two months with a thigh injury, Ramos returned to action on June 10, playing the first half of Monterrey’s 3–0 win over Atlante.

Sergio Ramos has nothing left to prove. With 1,005 matches, 144 goals, and 28 major titles, the Spanish legend has etched his name into football history. But at 39 years old, Ramos isn’t done yet. Now with Monterrey, he’s eyeing one final challenge — leading the Mexican club through the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Ramos, who has previously lifted the trophy four times with Real Madrid (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018), now finds himself in a different position. Monterrey are not among the tournament favorites, but that hasn’t diminished his ambition.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — a new format, a beautiful trophy,” Ramos said upon joining Rayados. “Winning it would be an unbelievable dream. It’s one of the reasons I came to Mexico: to play new competitions and chase new goals.”

Monterrey has been drawn into Group E, where they’ll face River Plate, Urawa Red Diamonds, and Inter. Ramos, well aware of the challenge ahead, remains optimistic but realistic: “Our objective is to make a strong showing, to get out of the group stage first — and then anything can happen. These types of tournaments always have surprises.”

Back in action just in time

After suffering a right thigh injury in mid-April, Ramos was sidelined for the play-in matches against Pachuca and Pumas, and the quarterfinal against Toluca. However, on June 10, he made his return, playing the first half of a friendly in which Monterrey beat Atlante 3–0.

“Sergio wanted to go all in, but we had to take care of him after such a serious injury,” said head coach Domènec Torrent. “Now he’s doing great and is fully ready for the match against Inter.”

Torrent also praised Ramos’ leadership: “He’s a leader on and off the pitch. He demands a lot from his teammates and commands respect. Sergio will help us immensely.”

Facing River Plate… a club he almost joined

Interestingly, Ramos will now face River Plate in the group stage — a club he nearly joined. “I called Sergio personally last year when he was a free agent,” revealed Martín Demichelis. “He heard me out, thanked me, but eventually declined.”

As fate would have it, Demichelis later coached Ramos at Monterrey. “He was the first player I asked for, but the deal didn’t happen until the next window. Now the challenge is real.”

Despite Monterrey’s early exits in the Clausura and Concacaf Champions League, Ramos made an impact — with four goals in just nine matches. “He’s still world-class,” said Toluca’s Antonio Mohamed. “Even at this age, his level is incredible.”