Top 10 Fun Facts About Sergio Ramos

All the information you need to know about the Spanish superstar!

On March 30, 1986, in Camas, Seville, Spain, Sergio Ramos was born. Before entering the Sevilla FC academy at the age of 14, he started his football career playing for the FC Camas young team, his local club.

READ ALSO: Top 10 Fun Facts About Lionel Messi

He made his Sevilla professional debut in February 2004 and rapidly created a name for himself as one of the country’s most talented young defenders. Real Madrid acquired him in August 2005 for a then-record sum.

Ramos is renowned for his direct, physical style of play as well as his propensity for goal-scoring from set pieces. One of the highest-scoring defenders in the history of the sport, he has over 100 goals in his professional career.

He has had tremendous international success with the Spanish national team in addition to his glory with Real Madrid. He has the record for most appearances in Spanish football history and has won the FIFA World Cup and two UEFA European Championships. The seasoned defender made an international football retirement announcement in 2023.

Ramos has also taken part in a number of charitable endeavors during the course of his career. He has donated money to support medical research and help those in need while working with other charity organizations, including UNICEF.

But what are the ten facts about the defender that you really must know?

Most-capped Spanish footballer

Ramos holds the record for most football appearances for Spain. In 2005, he made his international debut for Spain, and during the course of his career, he received 180 caps. He assisted Spain in winning the FIFA World Cup once, as well as the UEFA European Championship twice (in 2008 and 2012). (in 2010). His 180 Spanish appearances broke Iker Casillas’ previous mark.

Youngest European to reach 100 international caps

In 2013, Ramos won his 100th cap for Spain in international competition, making him the youngest player in Europe to do so. He did it in a 2014 World Cup qualification game against Finland, where he scored the equalizing goal to force a 1-1 draw.

Bullfighting enthusiast

Ramos has acknowledged his fondness for bullfighting and has previously been spotted at similar occasions. Also, he has been pictured donning traditional bullfighting garb, such as the “traje de luces” (lights suit) worn by bullfighters during corridas.

Never scored for Spain at a major tournament

With 180 appearances overall and 21 goals for his nation, Ramos holds the record for most goals scored by a defender in Spanish. Strangely enough, he has never scored for Spain at a significant competition. His 21 goals have all come in UEFA Nations League games, friendlies, or qualification rounds. He hasn’t scored at a World Cup, European Championship, or even the Confederations Cup outside of penalty shootouts.

Most red cards in La Liga history

In the history of La Liga, Spain’s top professional football league, Ramos has been sent off the most times. Over the course of his La Liga career, he received 20 red cards. He has currently received 28 red cards overall.

Never won a Champions League knockout tie until the age of 25

Ramos has won four Champions League championships, taking home the trophy in 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018. It’s simple to overlook the fact that he didn’t get past the quarterfinals until he was 25 despite being one of the competition’s all-time greats. His first few years at Real Madrid coincided with a barren period for the capital city club in which they consistently lost in the first knockout round. He never participated in the Champions League while playing for Sevilla. Ultimately, Ramos reached his first quarterfinal against Tottenham Hotspur in 2010–11, following Jose Mourinho’s hiring. Over time, he has undoubtedly grown above his initial disappointment.

Ninth highest goalscorer for Spain!

Ramos is among Spain’s top 10 goal scorers despite playing defense. With 23 goals internationally, he shares tenth place with Alfredo Di Stefano.

A tattoo for every Champions League he won

Ramos has a tattoo of every time he has won the Champions League on his leg. He won four titles at Real Madrid (2013/14, 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18).

Married to a journalist

Ramos is married to a journalist and media personality Pilar Rubio. On June 15, 2019, the pair wed in a celebrity-studded wedding at the renowned Seville cathedral in Spain. Many of Ramos’ current and former teammates, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, and David Beckham, attended the wedding. Sergio Jr., Marco, Alejandro, and Maximo Adriano are the names of Ramos and Rubio’s four children.

Nicknamed after famous German footballer

When Ramos was a kid, his pals who played with him on the lawn outside his apartment building gave him the nickname “Bernd Schuster” in honor of the legendary German goal scorer. His great goal-scoring prowess has been maintained throughout his career in defense, where he played both right and center back. He even had Schuster as his coach at Real Madrid in 2007 and 2008, which is a coincidence.