Sergio Ramos has starred in one of the most unexpected turns of his extensive career. On the verge of turning 40, the Andalusian center-back will leave Rayados de Monterrey after less than a year in Liga MX to pursue an objective that borders on fiction: to wear the Spanish national team jersey again and play in the next World Cup. The decision, first reported by various media outlets such as As, represents a new sharp turn in the trajectory of the former Sevilla, Real Madrid, and PSG player.

The Mexican adventure, which had begun as an attractive challenge after several months without a team, has ended prematurely. Ramos arrived seduced by the possibility of playing in the Club World Cup, a tournament in which he left his mark with a goal, but the relationship between the player and the club has taken an unexpected turn in recent days. His departure, however, is not due to a sporting disagreement: the player from Camas had been a starter, undisputed, and an important piece for Domènec Torrent, a coach influenced by the Guardiola school.

Sergio Ramos says goodbye to Liga MX

The visible trigger for the episode was his presence at the 2025 Latin Grammy Awards gala, where he appeared as a presenter on the very day Monterrey resumed training. The gesture did not sit well with certain sectors of the club's inner circle, although the entity understood that Ramos has been exploring his musical side for some time —he has released several songs and actively participates in artistic projects— and his schedule had been agreed upon in advance.

Even so, the feeling is that this situation was just another episode within a scenario that already pointed to an exit. The real reason, according to sources close to the player, is the defender's desire to return to Europe to keep alive his chances —slim, but real in his mind— of returning to the Spanish national team.

Ramos's Obsession: A Fifth World Cup

Ramos wants to play in his fifth World Cup, something few footballers have achieved in history. With 180 international caps, he is the player with the most appearances in the history of the national team, but his last participation dates back to 2021, in the final months of Luis Enrique's tenure as coach. The then-coach, who progressively lost confidence in the defender due to his physical inconsistency, ended up dropping him.

In 2023, another blow came: Luis de la Fuente, now as coach of 'la roja', directly informed him that he was not in his plans. That decision led to a harsh open letter from Ramos himself, in which he stated he felt "envy of Messi", referring to the Eurocup that the Argentine had just won with Argentina.

Competition in Spain's defense is fierce

The possibility of a return to the national team seems remote for two clear reasons. First, because of the amount of time that has passed since his last call-up. And second, because Spain's defensive core is currently well-covered with players like Pau Cubarsí —one of the most promising center-backs in European football— and **Dean Huijsen**For Ramos to be able to return, an improbable scenario would have to occur: an injury plague or a sudden drop in the level of several of these defenders. Even so, the former national team captain believes that in Europe he will be able to compete at a more visible level for the coaches and demonstrate that he still has what it takes to continue in the elite.In any case, his excitement to once again defend the 'red' shield remains intact. The World Cup, which will be held in 2026 with a new expanded format, represents a unique opportunity for him to close his career with a legendary flourish

Where will Sergio Ramos play now?

Ramos' immediate future involves a return to Europe, but it is not yet clear which team might secure his services. During recent transfer windows, clubs from Saudi Arabia and MLS showed interest in him, but the center-back has always prioritized staying in a competitive environment that would allow him to aspire to a hypothetical return to the national team.

In Spain, several teams have been informally linked with him in recent months, although none seriously. A third stint at Sevilla FC seems unlikely, and his Real Madrid past complicates any other option within LaLiga. Therefore, his destination could be in leagues such as Portugal, Turkey, or even Serie A, where his experience and leadership could prove attractive.

A season finale marked by plot twists

Since his departure from Paris Saint-Germain, Ramos's career has been a succession of unexpected chapters. First came his sentimental return to Sevilla, where he experienced an irregular season with both highs and lows. Then, his Mexican adventure with Monterrey, brief but intense. And now, a third chapter that points towards Europe and once again places Ramos at the center of media attention, as has been the case for almost two decades.

His ambition, his competitive personality, and his conviction that he can continue at the highest level are traits that have accompanied him since his beginnings. However, the question remains the same: will he have real options to return to the national team? Today, the answer seems negative. But if there is one thing Sergio Ramos has shown throughout his career, it is that he never gives up.