Four Champions Leagues, 24 red cards; How incomparable Sergio Ramos revitalised Real Madrid

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 19 Feb 2026 10:06 CST
• 5 min read

Analysis

Real Madrid signing Sergio Ramos is one of the most important transfers of all time.

At FootballTransfers, we determine the importance of a deal based on influence, legacy or the huge impact it had on a particular club or indeed the sport as a whole.

It could be because of a record-breaking or history-making transfer fee. It could be a transfer that broke down a social, cultural or racial barrier. It could be a move that transformed the fortunes of a team and led to a period of dominance. It could be a transfer that simply transcended the sport.

In the case of Ramos, he would become a serial winner with Los Blancos, ushering in a new era of European dominance for the biggest club on the planet.

Why did Real Madrid sign Sergio Ramos?

Born in Seville, Ramos progressed through the youth system at Sevilla and eventually made his first-team debut for Los Nervionenses in February 2004 in a Spanish Primera Division loss against Deportivo.

He made six other La Liga appearances that season before becoming a mainstay in 2004/05, making 41 appearances across all competitions.

Ramos' talent was clear and, despite being a Sevilla fan, he subsequently moved to Real Madrid at just 19 years old.

The Transfer

Madrid were in need of defensive reinforcements following the departure of Walter Samuel and were looking for a long-term replacement for club legend Fernando Hierro, who had departed following the conclusion of the 2002/03 season.

Ramos was brought in not just for his clear talent but for his versatility as he was able to play centre-back, right-back and even in defensive midfield if required.

He cost €27 million, which was a record for a Spanish defender, and was the first Spaniard bought by president Florentino Perez during his first stint with the club.

Perez apparently promised Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido that he would make no approach for Ramos in that close-season.

"Florentino Perez has given me his word -- and I have no reason to doubt it -- that he will not try and sign Sergio Ramos this season," Del Nido said.

"The only offer that will interest Sevilla is if a club deposits the full buy-out clause (of 27 million euros) plus VAT in cash with the Professional Football League (LFP)."

Madrid, indeed, triggered that clause.

Did the transfer work out?

Ramos started his career at Madrid as a centre-back but moved out to right-back following the acquisitions of Christoph Metzelder and Pepe. He flourished on the flank, even in attacking areas, and in his first four seasons with the club he scored an impressive 20 goals.

It would be at centre-back that he would emerge as a truly legendary figure at the club, however, and the position in which he captained Madrid for over a decade.

Domestically, Ramos won five La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey titles and four Supercopa de Espana titles.

In the celebratory bus tour of the Copa del Rey win against Barcelona in 2011, he even dropped the trophy under the wheels of the bus while sitting on the top deck!

4. Sergio Ramos vs Atletico Madrid
pic.twitter.com/MJtejMQpOs

— Deviant.S (@Deviant_Space) February 12, 2026

He was no stranger to extremely important La Liga goals either. In December 2016, he scored an equalising goal in El Clasico against Barcelona to extend Madrid's unbeaten run to 33 games and they later went on to win the league title that campaign.

In Europe, Ramos certainly made his mark too. For years, the club had been striving to achieve 'La Decima' - their 10th European Cup title. During his time with Madrid, not only did they achieve that, but three other Champions League titles.

In the 2014 Champions League final he emerged as Madrid's true saviour as he popped up with a 93rd minute headed equaliser against city rivals Atletico Madrid to take the game to extra-time. Los Blancos won it, and all the fans have him to thank that they didn't have to surrender their most prized possession to Atleti of all clubs.

He is also notably the highest-scoring defender in the history of the Champions League.

After becoming one of Madrid's most decorated players of all time, he left on a sour note to Paris Saint-Germain as the club refused to sanction his request of a new two-year contract. At his farewell, he revealed he had actually agreed to stay on a one-year deal with a reduced salary, but the offer from the club had expired.

What Real Madrid gained in Ramos' superb defensive work and often overlooked passing ability, they lost in minutes due to his 24 red cards gained in his Madrid career. Would the fans have had him any other way?

Legacy

For a club with such a glittering history of transfers, a real case can be made that Sergio Ramos is their best one of all. From performing a superb role at right-back, one that would see him win the World Cup with Spain in that position, his transition to centre-back was inevitable, as was the success that followed.

A player capable of leading men, of winning matches, of scoring goals as an underrated attacking option, as well as manic moments that means he has many, many red cards on his CV. But he also has the World Cup, two European Championships, four Champions Leagues and countless domestic honours in a career that will be remembered forever.

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