Sevilla vs. Real Madrid: Sergio Ramos’ Controversial Return to His Roots

This weekend, football fans around the world are in for a treat as Sergio Ramos, one of the most iconic players in Real Madrid history, prepares to face his former club in a Sevilla jersey. It’s a match that not only promises thrilling football but also serves as a captivating chapter in Ramos’s illustrious career.

For 16 seasons and 671 appearances, Ramos defended Real Madrid’s iconic white shirt with unparalleled pride and ferocity, etching his name in the annals of the club’s history. His legacy is decorated with 22 major honors, including that iconic moment in the 2014 Champions League final when he scored a towering header in stoppage time to equalize against city rivals Atletico, ultimately securing Real’s coveted 10th European crown.

However, Ramos’s story did not commence at the Bernabeu, and it won’t conclude there either. Born and raised in Camas, on the outskirts of Seville, he joined his local team at the tender age of 10 and made his first-team debut at just 17 in 2004. His prodigious talent caught the eye, and the following year, Real Madrid swooped in with a then-Spanish record transfer fee of €27 million to secure his services.

Fast forward, and after two eventful years with Paris St-Germain, Ramos is back home. He has returned to his boyhood club, Sevilla, signing a contract until the end of this season, potentially his last, and all on a free transfer. But this supposed dream homecoming has been anything but smooth sailing.

Many fans, who had once adored him, now vehemently opposed his return, having long since crossed the emotional line from love to resentment during his time with Real Madrid. One particular incident that stung was Ramos’s provocative celebration of a Panenka penalty against Sevilla in 2017, which was seen by many supporters as a betrayal.

Unsurprisingly, ultras group Biris Norte issued a public statement upon his arrival, labeling it “a lack of respect to the values that have made us great” and criticizing his past insults to Sevilla fans. These condemnations, however, don’t reflect the sentiments of all Sevilla fans, with many still idolizing Ramos as a local boy who made it big, particularly considering his achievements with the Spanish national team.

On the pitch, things haven’t been any less turbulent, with Sevilla winning only two of their 11 competitive games this season, leading to the sacking of their manager, Jose Luis Mendilibar. The new man in charge, Diego Alonso, faces the dilemma of whether to include Ramos in the starting lineup. The defender’s performances under the previous manager were inconsistent, with a notable own goal against Barcelona last month.

A local sports newspaper even ran a poll asking fans to choose their preferred center-back pairing, and the options involving Ramos received only 29% of the votes. The majority (71%) opted for other choices. Leaving Ramos on the bench would be a bold move for Alonso as he aims to make a positive early impression.

Ramos’s magnetic personality, unshakable self-belief, and leadership qualities make him a dominant force in the dressing room. He famously used his influence to block Real Madrid’s appointment of Antonio Conte as their manager in 2018. Recently, footage emerged of Ramos rallying his new Sevilla teammates vociferously after his debut, showcasing his intent to retain his alpha male status.

Given these factors, it’s likely that Ramos will start in the upcoming clash. And with his penchant for drama and controversy, we can expect him to be right in the thick of the action. A late winner followed by a late red card after a heated exchange with the new Real Madrid leader, Jude Bellingham? Well, it wouldn’t be a Sergio Ramos match without some suspense and intrigue.

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More about Sergio Ramos Sevilla return

• Sergio Ramos – ESPN
• Sergio Ramos’ Iconic Moments – Real Madrid
• Controversy Surrounding Sergio Ramos’ Return – BBC Sport
• Sergio Ramos’s 2023 Season Challenges – The Guardian
• Sergio Ramos’ Influence in the Dressing Room – Marca
• Sevilla vs. Real Madrid Match Preview – Sky Sports