Real Madrid take on Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday. For some, it is just a match. But for a certain center-back, it is a homecoming – a rather emotional one- as Sergio Ramos returns with the no.4 at his back but this time in a Sevilla jersey.
Real Madrid sources confirmed to Diario AS, that before kick-off they have prepared a tribute for the club legend who represented the Merengues in 671 games and also where he stamped his authority as one of the greatest center-backs to ever grace the football pitch.
Sevilla and Real Madrid met each other earlier at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán and played out a 1-1 draw with Sergio Ramos having one of his best games in a Sevilla shirt and also got a yellow card in the 76th minute. The Spaniard’s header was saved by Kepa, which could have handed Los Blancos a defeat.
This will be the first time the Spaniard sets foot in the White Coliseum as a visitor since his departure to PSG in the summer of 2021. As far as Real Madrid are concerned, they will not go overboard with the tribute out of respect for Sevilla, but the emotions may get to some fans.
Real Madrid’s website has described the legendary no.4 as “the hero of La Décima”. The goal in the 2013/14 Champions League final is etched in the memory of millions of Madridistas around the world arguably, due to the iconic header in stoppage time.
His trophy collection speaks for itself. Other than La Décima, he won three more Champions Leagues – in a row in 2016, 2017, and 2018, four FIFA Club World Cups (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018), three UEFA Super Cups (2014, 2016, 2017), five La Liga titles (2007, 2008, 2012, 2017, 2020), two Copa Del Rey titles (2011, 2014), and four Supercopa de España titles (2008, 2012, 2017, 2020).
22 titles in 671 games at the club, meaning he averages a title at Real Madrid every 31 games – a title per season.
Only Raúl (741), Iker Casillas (725), and Sanchís (710) have represented Real Madrid more times than Sergio Ramos. While being the warrior at the back for Madrid, he also ended up lifting two Euros (2008, 2012) and a World Cup (2010) with the Spanish national team.
Ramos returns to the Bernabeu as a leader – but not of Real Madrid. Fans will bow down to the Spaniard who was a loyal servant of the club for 16 years, captaining and marshaling the troops to several titles during his time.
It is bound to get emotional before kick-off but the White Coliseum will roar in honor of their club legend – even if he wears the opposite armband.
