Sergio Ramos is one of the most celebrated and iconic footballers of his generation. He has spent over two decades in the professional football world, and has achieved unparalleled success with both Real Madrid and the Spanish national team. His retirement from professional football on June 17, 2021, marked the end of an era in football, and left fans and critics alike reflecting on his incredible career. In this blog post, we will take a look back at Ramos' career and legacy, and what his retirement means for the future of football.

Sergio Ramos Most Celebrated Footballer You Should Know More About Him 

Early Career

Sergio Ramos was born on March 30, 1986, in Camas, Seville, Spain. He began his footballing journey at the age of 14, when he joined the youth academy of local club Sevilla FC. Ramos made his senior debut for Sevilla in 2004, at the age of 18, and quickly established himself as one of the most promising young defenders in Spain. In his three seasons at Sevilla, Ramos won the UEFA Cup twice, and helped the club finish third in La Liga in 2006.

Real Madrid Career

In 2005, Real Madrid came calling for Ramos, and he joined the club for a fee of €27 million, a then-record for a Spanish defender. Ramos made an immediate impact at Real Madrid, and quickly became a fan favorite with his aggressive, no-nonsense style of defending. He formed a formidable partnership with Brazilian center-back Pepe, and helped Real Madrid win their first La Liga title in four years in the 2006-07 season.

Over the next 16 seasons, Ramos became a cornerstone of Real Madrid's success, and one of the most decorated players in the club's history. He won five La Liga titles, four Champions League titles, and two Copa del Rey trophies, and scored a total of 101 goals in 671 appearances for the club. He also became the captain of the team in 2015, after the departure of Iker Casillas.

Ramos' importance to Real Madrid went beyond his performances on the pitch. He was a natural leader, and was respected by his teammates and opponents alike for his mental toughness and competitive spirit. He was also a crucial figure in the dressing room, and was known to be a vocal and passionate presence off the pitch.

International Career

Ramos' success at Real Madrid was mirrored by his achievements with the Spanish national team. He made his debut for Spain in 2005, and was a key member of the team that won the 2010 World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 European Championships. He made a total of 180 appearances for Spain, and scored 23 goals.

Ramos was known for his versatility as a defender, and was equally comfortable playing as a center-back or a right-back. He was also known for his aerial ability, and was a significant threat from set pieces, scoring a total of 130 goals in his career.

Retirement

Ramos' retirement from professional football came as a shock to many, as he was still considered to be one of the best defenders in the world. His decision was reportedly due to a breakdown in contract negotiations with Real Madrid, with the club unwilling to offer him the two-year deal he was looking for. Ramos later released a statement saying that he was leaving Real Madrid with a "broken heart," but that he was excited for the next chapter of his career.

Ramos' retirement marks the end of an era in football, and leaves a significant void in both Real Madrid and the Spanish national team. He was not only a world-class defender, but also a leader and a mentor to his teammates. His competitive spirit and his never-say-die attitude made him one of the most feared opponents in this field.