Sergio Ramos Named the Toughest Opponent of His Career

Real Madrid icon Sergio Ramos is still going strong at the age of 39 – the legendary Spanish defender is now in his 21st professional season and enjoying life with Mexican giants Monterrey, where he scored five goals in his first 12 appearances.

Considered one of the greatest defenders of all time, Ramos was synonymous with success throughout his decorated European career, having won four Champions League trophies, four Spanish league titles, two French league titles and a host of individual and club accolades.

With the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi among his most iconic teammates, Ramos was always surrounded by world-class stars on both ends of the pitch, and was once asked to name the toughest opponent he ever faced.

The 2010 World Cup winner made an unsurprising choice, naming one of the greatest dribblers ever – who once took El Clasico by storm during Ramos’ first season at the Santiago Bernabeu.

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Sergio Ramos Praises Ronaldinho

‘Hardly any defender could face him’

Ramos, as quoted by Telegrafi, named former Barcelona forward Ronaldinho as the toughest opponent of his career, while also name-dropping Samuel Eto’o and Zlatan Ibrahimovic as honourable mentions:

Ramos faced Ronaldinho nine times in his career and managed just two wins, both coming in back-to-back La Liga seasons in 2006/07 and 2007/08.

Ronaldinho scored five goals with Ramos in the opposing central defence, including in their first meeting – a 4-0 Barcelona win over Sevilla during the 2004/05 season.

Ronaldinho is widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted footballers of all time, known for his extraordinary dribbling, creativity and flair.

The Brazilian playmaker began his career at Gremio before moving to Europe in 2001, when he signed for Paris Saint-Germain, where he immediately became a fan favourite.

Ronaldinho enjoyed his breakthrough at Barcelona, whom he joined in 2003 after two seasons in France, and led to numerous domestic and continental titles, including the 2006 Champions League and two La Liga trophies.

He also won the Ballon d’Or in 2005 and remains one of four Brazilian players to have claimed the prestigious award, along with Ronaldo (1997 and 2002), Rivaldo (1999) and Kaka (2007).

After departing Barcelona in 2009, Ronaldinho had spells at AC Milan, Flamengo and Atletico Mineiro before retiring from the professional game in 2015.

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Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt. Correct as of 23-06-25.