Just a month ago, Sergio Ramos had already sparked a heated debate during Monterrey 's trip to Atlético de San Luis. Welcomed like an idol by numerous children and supporters who came with placards and Spain and Real Madrid shirts, the Spanish defender ignored requests for photos and autographs, which led to a sudden change in status: from adored figure to the most booed player at the Alfonso Lastras stadium. The atmosphere was tense, reinforced by criticism of his aloof attitude.
On the pitch, Ramos also attracted attention with an unusual method: communicating through whistles to direct his defense. One whistle to advance the line, two to signal a move, three to request the ball or order an immediate withdrawal. Tireless in his leadership role, he had argued extensively with Stefan Medina and did not hesitate to reprimand Germán Berterame. While his firmness and constant protests to the referee recalled the Ramos of his heyday, the San Luis episode had left its mark as much for his boos as for his theatrical authority, already confirming the divide surrounding his time in Liga MX . And now it is a more sporting controversy that has affected Sergio Ramos's daily life in recent days.
Responsible for an insufficient defense?
Monterrey sits atop the standings for the 2025 Apertura, but its defensive sector raises many questions. In five matches, the Rayados have already conceded seven goals, which has led some observers to point the finger at Sergio Ramos. The Spanish defender, who has made 22 appearances for the club, is accused of prioritizing attack at the expense of defense, a criticism that came up again after the 3-2 victory against Mazatlán, where the solidity of the rearguard was once again undermined. For Ricardo Peláez, a former Mexican international and now an analyst for ESPN, Ramos embodies this imbalance. “Monterrey lacks balance. They scored three goals, but conceded two, three, or four. We need to balance the team. Everyone has to participate defensively, and they don't. They seem weak defensively.” "Ramos seems to have come to score goals, not to defend ," he said, recalling that other teams like Bravos, Xolos, Tigres, América and Pachuca have better defensive statistics.
Even more cutting, Nacho Miguélez, a Spanish journalist working for TNT Sports, went so far as to call Ramos "an old footballer ." In a video posted on X, he challenged his colleague Omar Zerón with these words: "I asked myself why an old footballer—because Sergio Ramos is an old footballer—would go to a team that is supposed to be a great football team. Sergio Ramos is an old footballer. If this team wants to sign an old footballer, who would they want to compete against?" These remarks have rekindled the debate on the real contribution of the 2010 world champion to the Rayados. At 39 years old and tied to Monterrey until December 31, 2025, Sergio Ramos will have to quickly answer these doubts: the question now is whether he will stick to the bet until the end.
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