Legendary Spanish defender Sergio Ramos has decided to end his brief Mexican adventure with Rayados de Monterrey, confirming he will not renew his contract when it expires on December 31, 2025. The 39-year-old’s decision comes with a clear message: retirement is not on the cards as he seeks a new sporting challenge to extend his illustrious career.
The decision was confirmed by El Chiringuito TV in the midst of the Liguilla playoffs, with journalist Juanfe Sanz revealing that the Spanish defender has opted to close his chapter in Mexico despite his appreciation for the city and the Rayados faithful.
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The Announcement and Decision
In recent weeks, Rayados directors had admitted conversations were ongoing to renew the central defender’s contract, which expires December 31. However, sources close to the player confirmed with certainty that his departure from the team he captained throughout the year is now fact.
| Sergio Ramos Monterrey Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Joined Monterrey | February 6, 2025 |
| Contract Expiry | December 31, 2025 |
| Total Appearances | 30+ matches |
| Goals Scored | 7 |
| Jersey Number | 93 |
| Current Age | 39 years old |
| Turns 40 | March 30, 2026 |
According to the correspondent who leaked the information, the footballer’s desire is to embark on a new sporting phase and maximize his final years of career. The defender feels physically fit and, with retirement on the horizon, still wants to continue playing but intends to experience other destinations after a one-year experience in Liga MX.
Sergio Ramos won’t renew with Monterrey, and when the tournament ends, he’ll close his time as a Rayados player. Sanz explained that it’s not about a bad experience or disagreement with the club; it’s a personal choice.
Performance with Monterrey
Sergio Ramos arrived as Monterrey’s marquee signing at the beginning of 2025, bringing global attention to the Mexican club. The charismatic central defender made 30 appearances for Monterrey and scored seven goals during the year, demonstrating that his goal-scoring prowess from set pieces remained intact despite advancing age.
Ramos was handed the captain’s armband on his debut against Atlético San Luis, scoring his first goal for the club on March 3 in a 4-2 victory over Santos Laguna. His leadership qualities were immediately recognized by the club, entrusting him with captaincy responsibilities from the outset.
On March 17, 2025, he was sent off for the 30th time in his career after receiving a straight red card for kicking UNAM’s striker Guillermo Martínez from behind. The dismissal further cemented his reputation as a fierce, if sometimes ill-disciplined, competitor who plays with uncompromising intensity.
The veteran’s most memorable moment in a Rayados shirt came during the Club World Cup. On June 18, he scored the opening goal in a 1-1 draw against Inter Milan during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and was named Man of the Match. At 39 years and 80 days old, he became the oldest player in history to score in the Club World Cup, breaking Javier Zanetti’s previous record from 2010.
Reasons Behind the Departure
Two key motives are behind his decision to leave Mexico: he is making the decision to benefit his family life, and secondly, he wants to pursue new professional challenges. The defender’s family prefers life in Europe, making a return to the continent a priority.
Journalist Juanfe Sanz stated on El Chiringuito that Ramos is in love with the city and the fans, with his clear goal being to end by lifting a title, which is why he signed for Rayados. The defender remains committed to helping Monterrey win the Liguilla before his departure.
Despite feeling very comfortable with the institution, the city, both sportingly and with his family, Sergio Ramos made the determination to leave the team at year’s end. The decision reflects his desire to continue competing at the highest level while managing the final years of his career strategically.
The defender still feels he has the physical capacity to compete at elite European level. Ramos believes consistent playing time in a top-level European competition would allow him to continue his career at the highest standards, maintaining the intensity and quality that defined his legendary status.
Potential Next Destinations
European Options
Reports suggest Roma, Bayer Leverkusen, and Marseille are among the clubs that could offer Sergio Ramos a route back into European football. Each represents a different appeal and competitive challenge.
| Potential Clubs | League | Current Situation |
|---|---|---|
| AS Roma | Serie A | Title challenge, meanest defense |
| Bayer Leverkusen | Bundesliga | Rebuilding, 8 points behind Bayern |
| Marseille | Ligue 1 | Top-level competition |
| Inter Miami | MLS | Designated Player spot available |
Roma are currently mounting a surprising title challenge in Serie A and boast the league’s meanest defense. Ramos’ vast experience and leadership could prove invaluable to their relatively young backline during the title run-in.
Bayer Leverkusen are recovering from a poor start to their Bundesliga campaign and view Sergio Ramos as a potential stopgap signing who could provide direction and stability. Following a managerial change, they’re looking to close the eight-point gap to leaders Bayern Munich.
While a return to La Liga remains a possibility, it’s considered difficult to imagine Sergio Ramos playing for any Spanish clubs other than his former teams, Real Madrid and Sevilla. This limitation narrows his domestic options significantly, though both clubs seem unlikely destinations at this stage of his career.
MLS Possibilities
One possible landing spot is David Beckham’s Inter Miami, where Sergio Ramos would reunite with his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate and long-time La Liga rival, Lionel Messi. The timing could prove ideal for both parties.
With fellow Spain legends Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba both retiring this offseason, and Rodrigo de Paul presumably joining permanently to occupy one Designated Player roster spot alongside Messi, that will leave the Herons with one final DP opening.
The club has struggled at the back, and Sergio Ramos‘ personality—intensity, charisma, big-match mentality—fits the profile of what Miami wants heading into its move to Miami Freedom Park. The defensive reinforcement could address a persistent weakness for the Florida club.
The reunion with Messi would create significant commercial and sporting appeal. The two rivals-turned-teammates at PSG could write another chapter together, this time in Major League Soccer as both approach the twilight of their legendary careers.
Contract Situation and Timeline
Sergio Ramos‘ current contract with Monterrey expires on December 31, 2025, making him a free agent entering the new year. This timing aligns perfectly with the January transfer window in Europe, allowing him to join a new club mid-season.
Rayados de Monterrey president Tato Noriega said days ago that conversations with Sergio Ramos were ongoing but they would wait until the playoffs finished. The club respected his timeline while hoping to change his mind.
The defender chose jersey number 93 instead of his traditional number 4 to honor his 93rd-minute equalizer in the 2014 UEFA Champions League final for Real Madrid. This symbolic gesture demonstrated his sentimental connection to his greatest moments, even while embarking on a new adventure.
Current Playoff Campaign
Monterrey currently competes in the Liga MX Apertura playoffs, with Sergio Ramos determined to depart Mexico with silverware. The team finished fifth in the regular season and advanced to the quarterfinals.
Monterrey recently kicked off their fight for silverware with a 2-0 quarterfinal first leg win over Club América at Estadio BBVA. The dominant performance put them in a strong position heading into the second leg.
The veteran defender remains fully committed to Monterrey’s title pursuit, demonstrating his professional character despite his impending departure. His leadership during this crucial period reflects the mentality that defined his career at the highest level.
Impact on Mexican Football
Beyond his on-field contributions providing defensive solidity for one of Mexico’s biggest clubs, Sergio Ramos‘ presence brought significant commercial and media impact to Monterrey. His global profile elevated the club’s international standing.
The brief stint in Liga MX allowed Sergio Ramos to experience a new football culture while maintaining competitive fitness. His professionalism and commitment, despite knowing his time would be short, earned respect across Mexican football.
Sergio Ramos decided to end his cycle at Monterrey and will analyze offers after finishing the season. His team is considering possibilities to continue his career in Europe, MLS, or Saudi Arabia, though the player’s desire is to be close to his family in a comfortable location.
International Career Already Concluded
Ramos announced his retirement from international football on February 23, 2023, at the age of 36, having not appeared for his country in nearly two years, after new coach Luis de la Fuente told him he would no longer be selected. His last appearance for Spain came in March 2021 as a substitute against Kosovo.
Ramos received a call from Spain’s head coach Luis de la Fuente informing him he would not be called up to the national team going forward, regardless of his performance. The decision ended a remarkable international career spanning 18 years.
With 180 caps, he holds the record for most appearances with Spain’s men’s national team. He was instrumental in Spain’s golden era, winning the 2010 World Cup and the European Championships in 2008 and 2012. His international legacy remains secure despite his career continuing at club level.
Historical Context
Sergio Ramos holds the record for most appearances for Spain with 180 caps earned across sixteen years. He represented Spain at four FIFA World Cups, winning the 2010 edition, and three UEFA European Championships, winning titles in 2008 and 2012.
His club career includes legendary spells with Sevilla (2004-2005), Real Madrid (2005-2021), Paris Saint-Germain (2021-2023), and a hometown return to Sevilla (2023-2024) before joining Monterrey. He won 22 major honors with Real Madrid, including five La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League titles.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders of all time, Sergio Ramos is known for his aerial abilities, leadership, and goal-scoring prowess, having scored more than 100 goals for Real Madrid alone. His combination of defensive excellence and attacking threat from set pieces defined modern center-back play.
What’s Next
Though his contract with Monterrey is ending, Sergio Ramos is not considering retirement and is keen to continue his professional career, seeking opportunities with a new team. The coming weeks will determine his next destination.
His agents are actively negotiating with potential clubs across multiple continents. The decision will likely depend on several factors: sporting ambition, family considerations, financial package, and the opportunity to compete at elite level while being closer to home.
Behind the scenes, Sergio Ramos has reportedly made it clear that he will not retire, and that his next club must offer him something Monterrey cannot: proximity to home, elite-level competition, and renewed visibility at the highest levels of the sport.
The football world awaits the next chapter in one of the game’s most decorated careers. Whether he returns to Europe’s elite competitions, joins Messi in MLS, or surprises with an unexpected destination, Sergio Ramos continues to defy expectations as he approaches his 40th birthday.
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FAQs
Why is Sergio Ramos leaving Rayados Monterrey?
Sergio Ramos is leaving Monterrey primarily due to his family’s preference for life in Europe and his desire to embark on a new sporting challenge. Despite enjoying his time in Mexico, he wants to continue his career closer to home.
When does Sergio Ramos’ contract with Monterrey expire?
Sergio Ramos’ contract with Rayados de Monterrey expires on December 31, 2025. He joined the Mexican club on February 6, 2025, on a one-year deal and will not renew it.
Is Sergio Ramos retiring from professional football?
No, Sergio Ramos has confirmed he is not retiring from club football. The 39-year-old defender is actively seeking a new club and wants to continue playing at the highest level, though he has already retired from international football.
Which clubs are interested in signing Sergio Ramos?
Reports suggest Roma, Bayer Leverkusen, and Marseille are monitoring Ramos in Europe, while Inter Miami represents a potential MLS option where he could reunite with Lionel Messi.
How many goals did Sergio Ramos score for Monterrey?
Sergio Ramos scored 7 goals in over 30 appearances for Monterrey. He also became the oldest player to score in the FIFA Club World Cup at 39 years and 80 days old.
