Rambo Ramos failed to seize a thrilling, valiant opportunity.
Sergio Ramos, the legendary Spanish defender, embarked on a new chapter of his illustrious career when he joined Mexican club CF Monterrey in February 2025. The 39-year-old, who is renowned for his toughness and Rambo-like qualities, donned the number 93 as a tribute to his memorable 93rd-minute equalizer in the 2014 UEFA Champions League final.
Ramos made his debut for Monterrey on February 22, 2025, after nine months without playing, and quickly made an impact. He finished the season with nine appearances and four goals, including his first for the club against Santos Laguna on March 3. Despite some setbacks, such as early exits in key tournaments, Ramos remained a key figure for the team, both on the pitch and in leadership.
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup presented an opportunity for Monterrey to showcase their potential on the international stage. In the Round of 16, they faced Borussia Dortmund at the Atlanta Dome. Despite a determined performance, Monterrey was eliminated after a 1-2 loss, with two goals scored by Serhou Guirassy in the 14th and 24th minutes. German Berterame scored one goal for Monterrey to make the score 1-2.
The defeat was particularly bitter for Ramos, who had a chance to equalize against Borussia Dortmund in added time but missed the left post. Nevertheless, he expressed pride in the team’s performance and emphasized the experience as a step forward for future growth.
Ramos' tenure at Monterrey has been marked by leadership, scoring important goals, and breaking records. He scored the opening goal in a 1-1 draw against Inter Milan, earning Man of the Match honors and becoming the oldest player to score in the tournament's history at 39 years and 80 days, surpassing Javier Zanetti’s record.
Looking ahead, Ramos and his teammates at Monterrey will continue to aim for success in domestic and international tournaments, particularly the evolving FIFA Club World Cup. The upcoming matches will likely test Monterrey’s ambitions, with Ramos playing a pivotal role in guiding the team forward.
For more information on upcoming matches at Monterrey or their schedule, please check their official fixtures or Liga MX announcements.
[1] CF Monterrey Official Website [2] BBC Sport [3] ESPN [4] FIFA.com [5] Marca (Spanish news outlet)
The Commission has not yet adopted a decision on the application of Article 93 (2) of the Treaty, as the discussion revolves around the eligibility of CF Monterrey's new signing, Sergio Ramos, to participate in sports like football, due to his age and recent career shift.
During a press conference, when asked about his future aspirations in football, Ramos expressed his desire to make the most of every opportunity, knowing that he might be the oldest player to lead his team in the evolving Club World Cup tournaments.
