Sergio Ramos hasn't forgotten how to play football. The Spanish defender was without a club for a few months but joined Monterrey in Mexico in February. Ramos is enjoying himself there and seems to be back to his old self.
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For European football fans, Sergio Ramos may have faded from view, but in Central America, the legendary Spanish defender is proving that his talent and competitive spirit remain as strong as ever.
After spending months without a club following his departure from Paris Saint-Germain, Ramos surprised many by signing with Monterrey in Mexico, a club with high ambitions in Liga MX. While some questioned whether the 37-year-old could still perform at a high level, he has quickly silenced any doubts, showcasing his trademark defensive solidity, leadership, and even his well-known knack for scoring goals.
His return to the pitch has been nothing short of impressive. In just three matches for his new team, he has already found the back of the net twice, proving that his aerial dominance and ability to step up in crucial moments have not faded with time. His first goal came in his second match for Monterrey, during a commanding 4-1 victory over Santos Laguna. With his usual determination and positioning, Ramos was in the right place at the right time to contribute to his team's dominant performance. Just six days later, he repeated the feat in a tight 1-1 draw against Cruz Azul, scoring a trademark header to put his team ahead after just 15 minutes.
Beyond his goal-scoring contributions, Ramos has already established himself as a leader within the Monterrey squad. His wealth of experience at the highest level of football, having won multiple Champions League titles, La Liga trophies, and a World Cup with Spain, makes him a vital figure both on and off the pitch. Younger players look up to him, and his presence has brought an added sense of confidence to the defensive line. He is constantly directing his teammates, organizing the backline, and setting the tone for the rest of the squad.
His impact has not gone unnoticed by his coach, Martin Demichelis. The Argentine, himself a former top-level defender with clubs like Bayern Munich and Manchester City, has been full of praise for Ramos’ influence. After the match against Cruz Azul, Demichelis openly acknowledged the unique quality that the Spaniard brings to the team. “He is the magician of this team,” he said. “Some doubted Sergio because of his age and the time he spent without playing, but here he is showing why he has had such a fantastic career. He is a magician, and he demonstrates that in every action.”
Monterrey currently sits in ninth place in Liga MX, trailing league leaders Club León by ten points. While the team still has ground to make up, Ramos’ arrival has injected new life into their campaign. His leadership and winning mentality could be exactly what Monterrey needs to mount a serious challenge in the latter stages of the season. The club’s ambitions extend beyond just domestic competition, with aspirations of making an impact in continental tournaments as well, and having a player of Ramos’ pedigree could prove to be invaluable.
Interestingly, Ramos has not been the only familiar face in the Monterrey squad. The team boasts several players with connections to Sevilla, the club where Ramos began his professional career before making his historic move to Real Madrid in 2005. Among them are midfielders Sergio Canales and Óliver Torres, two technically gifted playmakers who add creativity and vision to Monterrey’s attack. Meanwhile, Lucas Ocampos, a player who struggled to make an impact during his time at Ajax, and Jesús "Tecatito" Corona, formerly of FC Twente, have also made the move across the Atlantic. The presence of these former La Liga players has likely helped Ramos settle into his new environment, making the transition to Mexican football smoother.
Despite his age, Ramos continues to defy expectations. His hunger for competition and success remains undiminished, and his performances in Mexico have shown that he still has plenty to offer. His early form suggests that he could play a crucial role in Monterrey’s season, not just as a defensive stalwart but also as an offensive threat on set pieces. If he continues at this level, there is no doubt that he will be one of the standout players in Liga MX this year.
Ramos’ move to Monterrey may have been unexpected, but it is already proving to be a success. Whether in Spain, France, or now Mexico, he remains a player who commands attention and delivers when it matters most. His journey in Liga MX is just beginning, but if his first few performances are anything to go by, he is far from done making an impact at the highest level.
