The football world has been rocked by a new scandal at Real Madrid following the humiliating 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals of the 2025 Club World Cup, held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. At the center of the storm is Sergio Ramos, the Real Madrid legend currently playing for Club de Fútbol Monterrey. According to sources close to the club, he has reportedly contacted Real Madrid’s entourage to demand the departure of an unnamed player, declaring that he “doesn’t deserve to be here.” The forceful statement by Ramos, known for his leadership and outspokenness during his 16 years at Real Madrid, has sparked a wave of speculation and tensions at the club, especially at a critical time for the team under Xabi Alonso.

The defeat to PSG, led by an inspired Luis Enrique, exposed Real Madrid’s defensive and emotional weaknesses. Goals from Ousmane Dembélé, Fabián Ruiz (twice), and Gonçalo Ramos came after glaring errors by Raúl Asencio and Antonio Rüdiger, who were singled out by fans and the press. The match, which started ten minutes late due to logistical issues, saw Madrid fall apart in the first eight minutes, conceding two goals that set the tone for a disastrous performance. Luka Modrić, in what could be one of his last games for the club, remained in the center circle applauding the fans, a farewell gesture that contrasted with the team’s lack of reaction on the pitch.

Ramos, who left Real Madrid in 2021 after a controversial exit and is currently shining in Liga MX with Monterrey, hasn’t lost his emotional connection to the club. The former captain reportedly expressed his frustration after the match, pointing to a specific player whose identity hasn’t been revealed, but who many speculate could be Asencio, Rüdiger, or even Vinicius Jr., who was criticized for his lack of defensive intensity. Ramos’s statement, “He doesn’t deserve to be here,” reflects his well-known demandingness and intolerance of poor performance, a trait that made him an iconic figure during his time in Madrid, where he lifted five La Liga titles and four Champions League titles.

The context of the defeat exacerbates the situation. Real Madrid, under Xabi Alonso, had generated expectations after early victories in the Club World Cup, including a comeback against Borussia Dortmund. However, PSG’s thrashing revealed structural problems: an uncoordinated defense, a lack of cohesion in midfield, and the inability of key players like Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius to turn the score around. Alonso, in his first season as a coach, admitted in a press conference that “the two early goals demand much more” and promised to learn from his mistakes, but the pressure on him is growing, especially after Carlo Ancelotti’s departure and the transition to a new era.

Ramos’s intervention, despite having no direct authority at the club, has reignited the debate about leadership and a winning mentality in the Real Madrid locker room. Divided fans see in his words an echo of past greatness, but also a reminder of current difficulties. Some speculate that Ramos could be hinting at a symbolic return to the club, perhaps in a coaching role, given that his contract with Monterrey expires in December 2025. However, his history of confrontations with Florentino Pérez and his abrupt departure make this possibility remote.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid faces the need to rebuild after this humiliation. The return of Dani Carvajal and Éder Militão from injuries offers some hope, but the team must address the defensive shortcomings and lack of attitude highlighted by Ramos. The Spanish press, including AS and El País, have described the defeat as “a bath from sunrise to sunset,” and former Barcelona player Marc Crosas ironically commented on Real Madrid’s decline on social media. With the 2025-26 season on the horizon, Real Madrid must decide whether Ramos’s words are a call to action or simply the echo of a glorious past it can no longer recapture.