Born in Camas, Spain in 1986, Ramos’ journey to the top began with his local club Sevilla, where he emerged as a prodigious young talent known for his physicality, tenacity, and leadership qualities on the pitch.
His performances soon attracted the attention of European giants, and in 2005, at the tender age of just 19, Ramos secured a high-profile move to Real Madrid, kickstarting a trophy-laden career at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Over the next 16 seasons, Ramos would cement his status as a Real Madrid legend, captaining the side to an unprecedented four UEFA Champions League titles, five La Liga championships, and numerous other domestic and international honours.
His combination of defensive solidity, aerial dominance, and goal-scoring prowess from set-pieces made him one of the most complete and influential centre-backs of his generation.
On the international stage, Ramos has also been a talismanic figure for Spain, winning the 2010 World Cup and two European Championships during his illustrious tenure with La Roja.
Sevilla 2003-05
Sergio Ramos’ rise to stardom began at his boyhood club Sevilla, where the young defender joined the youth academy in 1995 at the age of just 9 years old. Blessed with a rare combination of physical prowess, technical ability, and an unwavering competitive spirit, Ramos quickly emerged as one of the most promising talents in the club’s youth setup.
He made his professional debut for Sevilla’s senior team in 2004, at the tender age of 18, and over the next two seasons, Ramos firmly established himself as a regular fixture in the starting lineup.
Ramos’ performances for Sevilla were marked by his aggressive style of play, aerial dominance, and the ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch, making him a vital asset for the Andalusian club. His leadership qualities and no-nonsense approach to defending also caught the eye, with Ramos developing a reputation as a fearsome, uncompromising centre-back who was willing to put his body on the line for the team.
Such was his impact that in 2005, at just 19 years old, Ramos secured a high-profile move to European giants Real Madrid, kickstarting the most successful and decorated period of his illustrious career.
Real Madrid 2005-21
Sergio Ramos’ move to Real Madrid in 2005 marked the beginning of a remarkable and trophy-laden chapter in his career, as the young defender cemented his status as one of the world’s greatest centre-backs over the next 16 seasons at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Arriving in the Spanish capital as a highly-rated prospect, Ramos wasted little time in establishing himself as a mainstay in Real Madrid’s backline, his combination of defensive solidity, aerial dominance, and goal-scoring prowess from set-pieces making him an indispensable asset for the club.
Under the tutelage of legendary managers like Fabio Capello, José Mourinho, and Zinedine Zidane, Ramos developed into a complete and commanding defender, his leadership qualities and relentless will to win earned him the captain’s armband and the adoration of Real Madrid’s passionate supporters.
The pinnacle of Ramos’ career at the Bernabéu undoubtedly came during the club’s remarkable run of success in the UEFA Champions League, where the Spaniard played a pivotal role in an unprecedented four title triumphs between 2014 and 2018.
Ramos’ ability to rise to the occasion in the biggest moments was a hallmark of his time at Real Madrid, with the defender netting crucial goals in crucial matches, including the equalizer in the 93rd minute of the 2014 Champions League final that ultimately led to his side’s victory as well as scoring the opening goal in the 2016 final.
His combative, no-nonsense style of play often courted controversy, but Ramos’ sheer force of will and commitment to the Real Madrid cause were unquestionable, cementing his status as a modern-day legend at the club.
When Ramos finally departed the Bernabéu in 2021, it marked the end of an era for both the player and the institution, his legacy as one of the greatest defenders in Real Madrid’s illustrious history assured.
Paris Saint-Germain 2021-23
Sergio Ramos embarked on a new challenge in the summer of 2021, signing a two-year deal with French giants Paris Saint-Germain. At 35 years old, Ramos was entering the twilight of his illustrious career, but the opportunity to experience a new league and culture proved too tempting to turn down.
Joining stars such as Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Neymar at the club, Ramos was tasked with bringing his vast experience and leadership qualities to a star-studded PSG squad hungry for Champions League glory.
However, Ramos’ first season in Paris was plagued by injury setbacks, limiting him to just 13 appearances across all competitions as he struggled to adapt to his new surroundings. Fans and pundits alike questioned whether the veteran defender still had the physical capabilities to perform at the highest level, with doubts swirling over his long-term future.
Despite the challenges, Ramos remained committed to the cause, offering his expertise and mentorship to the club’s younger players while working tirelessly to regain full fitness. Ramos won Ligue 1 twice during his time in the French capital before making an emotional return to his boyhood club Seville.
Sevilla 2023-24
On 4 September 2023, Ramos returned to his boyhood club Sevilla after 18 years, by signing a contract until the end of the season. During the 2023-24 campaign, Ramos helped Seville finish 14th in La Liga while also competing in the UEFA Champions League.
On 17 June, Sevilla announced that Ramos would not stay in the club for the following season. The defender has yet to announce what his next move will be.
Spain 2005-21
Sergio Ramos was also a towering figure for the Spain national team, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest defenders to ever represent La Roja.
Making his international debut in 2005 at the age of 18, Ramos went on to earn a remarkable 180 caps for his country – a record that stands as the most appearances by any European player in the history of international football. Despite playing in defence, Ramos is ranked 10th in Spain’s all-time top goalscoring list with 23 goals.
Throughout his 16-year tenure with the Spanish national team, Ramos played a pivotal role in the side’s unparalleled period of success, winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup and back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012.
His ability to command the backline, read the game, and contribute at both ends of the pitch made him an invaluable asset, with Ramos often chipping in with crucial goals, including the dramatic late equaliser against Croatia that secured Spain’s place at Euro 2016.
Even as he approached the twilight of his career, Ramos remained a talismanic figure for Spain, his experience and leadership guiding a new generation of talent.
Though injuries and a high-profile dispute ultimately led to his international retirement in 2021, Ramos’ legacy as one of the greatest defenders to ever represent the Spanish national team is assured.
