Ramos laughs about the 30th red card of his career: 'Couldn't leave Mexico without one'

After scoring twice in his first three matches, Ramos played a Liga MX match against Pumas on Sunday night, continuing his eventful start in Mexican football.

The Spanish defender, known for his incredible success at Real Madrid and his time with Paris Saint-Germain, arrived at Monterrey FC with high expectations. At 38 years old, he was still proving his ability to make an impact on the pitch, both defensively and offensively. In his first games for Monterrey, Ramos showcased his ability to score crucial goals, further cementing his reputation as one of the most prolific goal-scoring defenders in football history.

However, alongside his goal-scoring instincts, another infamous characteristic of Ramos’ game surfaced once again: his aggressive playing style, which has earned him a reputation as one of the most ruthless defenders in the history of the sport. Throughout his illustrious career, Ramos has never shied away from physical confrontations, controversial tackles, and heated moments on the pitch. His fiery temperament has led to numerous disciplinary actions, and his latest incident in Liga MX only added to his legacy of pushing the limits of fair play.

The match against Pumas UNAM was expected to be a relatively straightforward affair for Monterrey, with the team looking to solidify their position near the top of the league table. Ramos played a crucial role in helping his side establish a 1-3 lead, controlling the defensive line and bringing his leadership presence to the squad. But despite being in a commanding position, he could not contain his competitive nature, which flared up in several key moments throughout the match.

One of those moments came early in the first half. In the 20th minute, Ramos elbowed right-back Pablo Bennevendo, a move that seemed intentional, as he aggressively challenged his opponent in a duel for the ball. The contact was clear, and Bennevendo went down holding his face, but to the frustration of the Pumas players and coaching staff, the referee did not show Ramos a card. The lack of punishment allowed the former Real Madrid captain to remain on the field and continue influencing the game, as Monterrey maintained their control over proceedings.

The match seemed to be heading towards a comfortable victory for Monterrey, with the 1-3 advantage looking secure as the game entered stoppage time. However, Ramos' temper boiled over once again. In the 92nd minute, the Spanish defender kicked Guillermo Martínez, a substitute striker, after the ball had already gone out of play. It was a completely unnecessary action, one that had nothing to do with the run of play. The referee had no choice but to show Ramos a straight red card, his first dismissal in Mexican football.

Rather than expressing frustration or regret, Ramos responded to the red card with laughter, fully embracing his reputation as football’s ultimate villain. Shortly after the match, he took to X (formerly Twitter) to joke about the situation, posting a message that quickly went viral: "You all understand, of course, that I couldn't leave this league without picking up a red card." His remark was met with a mix of amusement and criticism, as fans debated whether his reaction reflected a competitive spirit or a lack of sportsmanship.

While Ramos and some Monterrey supporters may have seen humor in the situation, Pumas coach Efraín Juárez was furious. He strongly criticized the refereeing decisions in the match, particularly the fact that Ramos wasn’t sent off earlier. "I think he should have been sent off in the 20th minute, regardless of his name. If a Mexican player had done this, he probably would have been sent off then, not in the 90th minute," Juárez argued in his post-match press conference. His frustration was shared by many Pumas fans, who felt that Ramos' reputation as a global star might have influenced the officials' decision to be lenient earlier in the game.

With his first red card in Mexico, Ramos has now reached a total of 30 red cards in his career, further strengthening his position as one of the most frequently sent-off players in football history. The Spaniard solidifies his second place on the all-time list of players with the most red cards, trailing only Colombian defender Gerardo Bedoya, who holds the record with 46 dismissals.

Despite his disciplinary record, Ramos remains an iconic figure in world football. His career has been marked by a unique combination of talent, leadership, controversy, and aggression. Whether scoring decisive goals in Champions League finals or receiving yet another red card, he continues to make headlines, even as he enters the final years of his playing career. His adventure in Mexico has only just begun, and if history is any indication, this likely won’t be the last time his actions spark debate in Liga MX.