Sergio Ramos: What now after Monterrey exit?
After departing Liga MX’s Rayados, the former Real Madrid and Spain defender is now looking for a new challenge.
The questions surrounding Sergio Ramos’s future are piling up as the winter transfer window draws near. The 39‑year‑old Spanish center back is nowhere close to considering retirement. His decision to leave Monterrey came for several reasons, but the chance to continue competing at the highest level - ideally back in Europe - weighed heavily.
In 2025, Ramos showed in a Rayados shirt that he can still perform at an elite level. He quickly became the heartbeat of the Mexican side - captain, leader, and reference point on and off the field. He brought experience, authority, and goals, whether from the penalty spot or through his trademark aerial presence. The Andalusian was a constant threat in attack. These are the qualities Ramos wants to keep offering to other clubs. He isn’t closing the door on any opportunity, as long as certain conditions allow him to maximize his strengths. His commitment, as always, would be nothing short of 100 percent.
Where could Sergio Ramos go?
New challenges: That’s the mantra driving Ramos at this stage of his career. Even after winning everything imaginable during his long career - in which he has also played for Sevilla, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain - the defender’s ambition remains untouched. He’s still fiercely competitive. Ramos will listen to every offer, and if concrete proposals arrive from England, Italy, France, Portugal, Turkey, or Spain, he’ll make his decision - though his intention is to be back on the pitch by January. He doesn’t want another long stretch without a team. No rushing, but no standing still either. He already spent half a year unattached between leaving Sevilla and signing in Mexico.
Examples like Thiago Silva only fuel his belief. The Brazilian just landed in Portugal with Porto at age 41, after two seasons back home in Brazil with Fluminense. The market is increasingly valuing experienced players, and Ramos is an especially attractive asset. Clubs reportedly looking for defensive reinforcements - such as Manchester United or AC Milan - have been linked to him. They won’t be the only ones pushing deep into the winter window to explore a deal. And there’s also the pull of emerging leagues like Saudi Arabia’s or MLS. The ball, ultimately, is at the feet of No. 4.
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