Challenges in the Life of Sergio Ramos in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Sergio Ramos's life and career.

Sergio Ramos is a highly decorated Spanish professional footballer, renowned as one of the best centre-backs ever. Currently captain of Liga MX club Monterrey, he is celebrated for his aerial prowess, leadership qualities, and goal-scoring record, including over 100 goals for Real Madrid. He spent sixteen seasons at Real Madrid, securing four UEFA Champions League titles. Ramos also achieved significant international success with the Spain national team, winning two UEFA European Championships and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

September 2005: First Red Card

On September 18, 2005, Sergio Ramos received his first red card for Real Madrid after two bookable offenses in a match against Espanyol.

November 2010: Sent Off Against Barcelona

On November 29, 2010, Sergio Ramos was sent off in Real Madrid's loss to Barcelona for kicking Lionel Messi and pushing Carles Puyol.

2012: Copa del Rey

On January 9, 2013, Sergio Ramos was sent off for a second bookable offense midway through the second half of an eventual 4–0 home win over Celta Vigo in the 2012–13 Copa del Rey.

January 2013: Sent Off Against Celta Vigo

On January 9, 2013, Sergio Ramos was sent off during a match against Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey and received a four-match suspension for insulting the referee.

December 2013: Club Record Red Card

On December 14, 2013, Sergio Ramos received a club record 18th red card for Real Madrid in a match against Osasuna, although the suspension was later lifted.

March 2014: 19th Red Card

On March 23, 2014, Sergio Ramos received his 19th red card in a match against Barcelona.

April 2016: Red Card Against Barcelona

On April 2, 2016, after returning from suspension, Sergio Ramos was sent off again in a match against Barcelona, receiving his 21st red card for Real Madrid and fourth in a Clásico fixture.

2020: Injury-riddled season

In 2020, Ramos played just 21 matches for Los Blancos in 2020–21, making it his most injury-riddled season, after having played at least 33 matches in each of his previous 15 campaigns at the club.

2020: Exclusion from UEFA Euro 2020

In 2020, Sergio Ramos was excluded from the squad for UEFA Euro 2020 due to an injury-plagued season, marking the first major tournament since Euro 2004 where he was not called for the national team.

2020: Supercopa de España semi-final

In January 2020, Ramos reportedly took four pain killer injections to his left knee to play against Athletic Bilbao in the 2020–21 Supercopa de España semi-final which Real Madrid went on to lose 2–1.

2022: Exclusion from the 2022 FIFA World Cup

A year and a half after being excluded from UEFA Euro 2020, Sergio Ramos was excluded from the squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

March 2025: Sent off for the 30th time

On 17 March 2025, Ramos was sent off for the 30th time in his career (first with Monterrey) after receiving a straight red card for kicking UNAM's striker Guillermo Martínez from behind after failing to steal the ball.