Real Madrid, the most successful club in world football, finds itself once again in the eye of the storm. A bombshell has shaken the Santiago Bernabéu to its foundations: Sergio Ramos, the Real Madrid legend who left the club in 2021, has sparked controversy by demanding the immediate departure of one of the team’s emerging talents, Arda Güler, just before the 2025 Club World Cup. According to sources close to the former Real Madrid captain, Ramos reportedly privately stated, “He doesn’t deserve to be here,” referring to the 20-year-old Turkish youngster. What has unleashed this storm? Is this a reflection of internal tensions or simply a rumor amplified by the media?

Sergio Ramos, who recently announced his signing for Rayados de Monterrey in Mexico, remains a powerful figure in the Real Madrid universe. Despite not having been with the club for four years, his legacy as captain and undisputed leader still resonates in the locker room and among the fans. With 671 appearances, 22 titles, and an iconic goal in the 93rd minute of the 2014 Champions League final, Ramos is no ordinary voice. His opinion, albeit now from a distance, has an undeniable impact. According to Defensa Central , Ramos has expressed concern about Arda Güler’s situation, stating that the youngster is not ready for the demands of Real Madrid and that his lack of playing time could be affecting the team’s dynamic.

Arda Güler, nicknamed “the Turkish Messi,” arrived at Real Madrid in the summer of 2023 with high expectations. At 20 years old, the attacking midfielder has shown flashes of genius with his magical left foot and vision, especially with the Turkish national team, where he is an undisputed starter. However, at Real Madrid, his role has been secondary. According to Marca , Güler has played just 1,051 minutes in 28 games this season, with only three starts in La Liga. The fierce competition in Real Madrid’s attack, led by stars like Vinícius, Mbappé, Bellingham, and Rodrygo, has relegated the Turk to the role of a luxury substitute.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti, who recently left Real Madrid to take over the Brazilian national team, previously defended Güler, stating that the youngster needed time to adapt to the club’s demanding tactical system. However, the arrival of Xabi Alonso as the new manager has added further uncertainty to Güler’s future. According to OKDIARIO , the Turk expressed frustration with his lack of playing time and even considered leaving in the winter transfer market, something the club did not object to if he was not guaranteed a greater role.

The statements attributed to Ramos have sparked a polarized debate. On the one hand, some see his words as unfair criticism of a young player still in the process of adapting. Güler, after overcoming a series of injuries in his first season, has worked on his physique, gaining eight kilos of muscle to compete at the elite level. His commitment and attitude have been praised by teammates such as Lucas Vázquez and Ancelotti himself, who highlighted his efforts in training. On the other hand, Ramos, known for his openness, could be pointing out an uncomfortable reality: Real Madrid is not a club for half-baked prospects, but a place where only the best survive.

Sources close to the dressing room, according to The Athletic , suggest that Ramos’ departure in 2021 brought renewed harmony to the squad, eliminating dominant egos. Could it be that Ramos, from his experience, perceives Güler as a talent who, while brilliant, doesn’t yet fit into Madrid’s collective dynamic?

The timing of this controversy couldn’t be more delicate. With the 2025 Club World Cup just around the corner, Real Madrid is looking to arrive in optimal condition to defend its dominance. The absence of key players due to injury, such as Carvajal and Militão, has put pressure on the squad, and a lack of cohesion in attack has been a weak point this season. Güler’s possible departure, whether on loan or transfer, could free up space for new signings, but it would also send a message of little patience with young talent.

Real Madrid fans are divided. On social media, some supporters support Ramos, arguing that the club needs players who perform instantly, while others defend Güler, demanding more opportunities for a player who has demonstrated quality in specific moments. In Turkey, the local press has turned the situation into a national issue, demanding that Güler find a club where he can shine without restrictions.

For his part, Xabi Alonso, in his presentation as coach, stated that he has plans for the team’s stars, but he didn’t specifically mention Güler. Will the Turk be part of the “Frankenstein with a soul” that Alonso promises to build?

Real Madrid is no stranger to controversy, and this won’t be the last. Sergio Ramos’s words, whether intentional or not, have fueled the debate about the future of Arda Güler and the club’s direction under Xabi Alonso. As the Club World Cup approaches, the Bernabéu awaits responses, both on the pitch and in the offices. Can Güler turn around the criticism and earn a place in the hearts of Real Madrid fans? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: at Real Madrid, no one is exempt from the pressure of greatness.