Appreciating the legend that is Sergio Ramos

Flashback to August 31, 2005.

With the end of the transfer window approaching, clubs have limited time to add new names (and upcoming stars) to their squad.

Real Madrid, then managed by duo President Florentino Perez and head coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo had signed midfielders, Pablo Garcia and Baptista as well as three defenders; Robinho, Diogo and Sergio Ramos.

As of today, most of the names on this list have come and gone at the Santiago Bernabeu, one remains a player at the club.

Throughout his professional career, Ramos has developed from a young and spirited player to a seasoned professional who now leads both his club and country to unimaginable success. His entity as a whole cements his legendary status.

Now at 30 years of age, the central defender has helped his club win four La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions League titles, two Copa del Rey titles, three Spanish Super Cup titles, four FIFA Club World Cup titles and three UEFA Supercups.

For the Spanish National team, Ramos is also a European U-19 champion, two time European Cup champion and a World Cup winner.

Just looking at these accomplishments alone, the reliance on Ramos for a team (both before and after being named captain in 2015) is uncanny. The responsibilities the man has had to keep up is outrageous yet he continues to do so with ease.

He’s captain, the designated penalty taker, the motivation on the pitch, the leader in the locker room and much more. He’s also the man willing to get booked if need be.

Both Real Madrid and the Spanish National team have been able to benefit from having Ramos as a crucial member of their team and he has made headlines across the world with his feistiness on the pitch, Panenkas and ease when speaking with the media.

Spain’s Euro 2020 qualifying match against Romania was one example of a typical Ramos match.

Amongst an adjusted lineup, Ramos still lead the backline and captained the team. Statistically, Spain had never won a match in Romania.

This time however, powered by the leadership of Ramos, they turned it around with a 1-2 win despite having 10 men.

His direct contribution involved scoring the first goal (a penalty, of course) and getting a yellow card for his celebration. Classic.

In recent events at his club, the Sevilla native has also continued to lead his team despite their recent struggles and is still putting on strong performances required from the captain from a club.

Without a doubt, Ramos in tough times knows how to remain calm, cool, and collected and can get the job done when needed. It can be really hard to find another player always willing to step up in cases of immense pressure.

That 90th minute header against Atletico Madrid in the 2015/16 Champions League final is just one of them. It was probably the most memorable time when Ramos put everything on the line for his club and helped coin the saying “Sergio Ramos to the rescue” which Madridistas love so much.

He is footballs hero but he is also footballs villain. You can love him or you can hate him.

Yet regardless of where you preference lies, Ramos and everything he embodies is something that needs to be appreciated in the world of football.