After each match of the Rayados de Monterrey in the Club World Cup , Sergio Ramos sticks to his established routine. He avoids joining the group’s training sessions and instead focuses on specific exercise routines in the hotel or gym. At 39 years old, he knows that maintaining his physical condition is crucial to cope with the demanding minutes he has played in the tournament. He has participated in every game, proudly wearing the captain’s armband, scored a goal, and has led the Mexican team into the knockout stage, where they will face Borussia Dortmund in the early hours of the morning.
Ramos’s time away from his teammates may disappoint the thousands of Rayados fans who gather every morning outside the hotel and training facilities, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Camas native as he boards the bus for autographs. However, the Spanish defender has made sure to fulfill their wishes.
When he doesn’t attend training, a Rayados staff member fetches jerseys and posters bearing Ramos’s name for him to sign. Afterward, they are returned to the eager fans waiting outside. He is undoubtedly the most sought-after player, receiving the highest number of autograph requests and interview opportunities. The excitement around him is palpable.
“I Want to End Winning”
“It’s unnecessary to explain what Sergio means to the club, the teammates, the fans, and the footballing world,” remarked Lucas Ocampos , a fellow player in Monterrey.
On the field, the former captain of Real Madrid is showcasing his best form. He ranks as the third oldest player among those still active in the tournament. With only Manuel Neuer , the goalkeeper for Bayern Munich, and Luka Modric , his friend and former teammate, ahead of him, Ramos is not thinking about retirement. “In my final years, I want to end winning,” he stated confidently a few days ago.
So far, he has achieved a victory against the Urawa Red Diamonds and two remarkable draws against Inter and River Plate. No team has managed to defeat Rayados, who under the guidance of Spanish coach Doménec Torrent has built a solid defensive wall, with Ramos at the helm. The Camas native averages 2.7 aerial duels won per match, a figure matched by Dean Huijsen and Robin Le Normand , while he also records two interceptions each game. In both categories, he ranks within the top 15 players in the tournament.
“Global Echo Chamber”
In terms of statistics, according to analytical platform WhoScored , which evaluates various performance metrics, Ramos is the second-best defender in the tournament, just behind Alexander Barboza from Botafogo. He has not received a single card, ranks fifth in successful long passes, and also features prominently in the top 15 for clearances.
“To be able to contribute my best form in a Club World Cup that has such an impressive presence, featuring the biggest teams in the world, is an added bonus,” he expressed after securing a place in the knockout stage. “Signing Sergio has been a gift; he generates a global echo chamber and draws attention, both in the media and on the field,” stated the president of Rayados, José Antonio Noriega .
Sergio Ramos has not only brought invaluable experience and skill to Rayados de Monterrey but has also become a cultural icon for the team and its fanbase. His dedication to the sport and commitment to excellence offer a testament to his career filled with achievements and accolades. With the rate at which he is performing, there is every reason to believe that he could lead his team to newfound glory in the latter stages of this prestigious tournament. As the matches unfold, all eyes will be on Ramos to see if he can once again defy age and lead Rayados to victory, penning yet another chapter in his storied career.