A new scandal is rocking Real Madrid ahead of their decisive match against Salzburg in the 2025 Club World Cup. Sergio Ramos, the legendary former Real Madrid captain, has sparked a storm by demanding the immediate departure of a player from the team, stating that he “doesn’t deserve to be here.” Although Ramos, who currently plays for Club de Fútbol Monterrey in Liga MX, has not been part of Real Madrid since 2021, his statements have caused a stir due to his historical weight and emotional connection to the club. The controversy comes at a critical time, with Real Madrid playing for first place in Group H and qualification for the round of 16 in Philadelphia.
Ramos, 39, is in the United States participating in the Club World Cup with Monterrey, where he has been a standout, scoring a goal against Inter Milan and being named Man of the Match. His impact on the tournament has not gone unnoticed, and his comments have resonated strongly within the Real Madrid club. According to sources close to the dressing room, Ramos has communicated with former teammates and expressed his discontent with the attitude of a member of the current squad, although the name of the singled-out player has not been publicly revealed. “He doesn’t deserve to be here. He doesn’t understand what the crest means,” the Andalusian defender reportedly said, according to Spanish media reports.
Ramos’ statement comes amid high tensions for Real Madrid. After a 1-1 draw against Al Hilal and a 3-1 victory against Pachuca, Xabi Alonso’s team needs at least a draw against Salzburg to secure their place in the next round. However, the injury-related absences of key players like Eduardo Camavinga and the suspension of Raúl Asencio have complicated the Basque coach’s plans. Furthermore, the recent exclusion of Kylian Mbappé due to gastroenteritis has added further pressure to the team, which relies on players like Vinícius Jr. and youngster Gonzalo García to lead the attack.
The impact of Ramos’s words is not limited to the sporting arena. His record with Real Madrid, where he played 671 matches, scored more than 100 goals, and won 22 titles, including four Champions Leagues, gives him symbolic authority among the fans. However, his departure from the club in 2021 was marked by disagreements with the board, especially Florentino Pérez, leading some to interpret his comments as an attempt to influence the dressing room from afar. Others, however, see his words as a reflection of his commitment to the values ​​of Real Madrid, demanding a level of dedication that he always represented.
The player singled out by Ramos remains anonymous, but rumors point to possible internal tensions within the dressing room, especially following Luka Modric’s recent criticism of Xabi Alonso for his handling of Arda Güler. The Spanish press speculates that the young Turk, who has had fewer minutes than expected, could be at the center of the controversy, although there is no official confirmation. What is certain is that Ramos’ statements have sparked a debate about the commitment of some players at a club that demands constant excellence.
Xabi Alonso, for his part, has avoided fueling the controversy. In a press conference, the coach simply emphasized the importance of the match against Salzburg and the need to maintain focus. “I respect Sergio, he’s a legend, but our focus is on the pitch,” he stated. Meanwhile, Real Madrid fans are divided: some support Ramos for his defense of the club’s values, while others consider his comments inappropriate, especially from outside the team.
The match against Salzburg, scheduled for early Friday morning (3:00 CEST), will be a barometer of Real Madrid’s solidity amid this media storm. With Antonio Rüdiger and Dean Huijsen leading the defense, and youngsters like Güler and Bellingham in midfield, the team will be looking to prove it can overcome adversity. However, Ramos’s words have cast a shadow of doubt over the cohesion of the dressing room. While the football world awaits the outcome of this chapter, Ramos’s image, even in Mexico, remains an indelible echo in Real Madrid
