Mexican and Spanish media make feelings clear on Sergio Ramos’ Monterrey debut

On Saturday, Sergio Ramos made his debut for Monterrey, a team that competes in Liga MX. The media was quick to provide their opinions on his performance immediately after his launch.

Before signing a one-year contract with the Mexican club on February 7, Ramos, who is 38 years old, had been without a club ever since he parted ways with Sevilla, a La Liga club, at the conclusion of the 2023–2024 season.

It goes without saying that the former Spain international is widely considered to be one of the best defenders of the past two decades. During his sixteen-year tenure at Real Madrid, he won a total of 22 major honours, including five La Liga titles and four Champions League titles.

Prior to his first game for Monterrey, Ramos had not participated in a competitive match since May 2024, when he played for Sevilla against Barcelona in a match of which they were defeated by a score of 2-1.

To answer your question, given that he had not played for almost nine months, how did he perform in the first game that he played after his return?

With a goal from Oliver Torres and two goals from German Berterame, Monterrey was able to defeat San Luis by a score of 3-1. This victory was considered to be a team victory.

Before being replaced by Tony Leone with ten minutes remaining in normal time, Ramos served as the captain of the team and appeared to be in a relaxed state of mind in the middle of the defence section.

Mexican outlet AS described Ramos as being the centre of attention.

David Faitelson, a journalist, remarked that today was a historic day in Mexican football. I am not aware of any previous instances in which a football player with Sergio Ramos’s resume has ever presented himself.

“The central defender was close to scoring a header, and his number 93 was one of the most seen on the blue and white shirts in the stands of the Rayados Stadium,” explained Javier Cardoso of AS. “The Rayados Stadium was absolutely packed with thousands of fans.”

“Sergio Ramos touched the ball for the first time after fifty seconds of play, and then became the voice of the defence,” reported the Spanish news outlet COPE. COPE was also a part of the conversation. He then joined the attack with a header that was very similar to the one that he had in the final of the 2014 Lisbon tournament, which came dangerously close to scoring a goal but hit the woodwork instead.

“His entry into the team gave the defence seriousness and balance, before being substituted in the 79th minute, leaving a bad taste in the mouth.”

Marca put it simply: “With his experience and leadership, Ramos brought solidity to the defence and contributed to a key victory for his new team.”

In addition, Ramos published a message on social media not long after the championship match.

“After some time away from the pitch, happy and excited with the debut and the win,” he wrote in his journal.

“Work and perseverance are always the key.”