The ultimate defender: Ramos free-kicks his way into La Liga history books

When one hears the word defender, one thinks of a player who plays at the left, right or centre-back of a pitch; whose primary role is to help his goalkeeper prevent opposing teams from scoring goals — a player who has a stash of yellow cards because of this.

But it doesn’t stop there for the 34-year-old Sergio Ramos who plays centre back for Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Ramos may be holding the record for a player who has appeared the most on the referees’ books in La Liga — with  20 red cards and more than 160 yellow cards overall, but the player has now made it into La Liga’s history books and  is arguably the most successful defender of all time.

Overtaking Ronald Koeman

Ramos entered the history books by overtaking Ronald Koeman as the highest-scoring defender in La Liga history and is approaching a century of goals having played 642 matches. 

In a league match against Mallorca on Wednesday night, Ramos scored the second goal of the match which helped Madrid win 2-0 and return to the top of La Liga. Los Blancos, as his team is affectionately known, are now level with second-placed Barcelona, as both the teams have 68 points. 

Zidane heaps praise on Ramos

According to The Whites website, coach Zinedine Zidane was pleased with his captain and also called for him to finish his career at the club.

“He is our captain and our leader. Defensively, he showed us the way. Then, in attack, he contributed. He often practises those free-kicks (referring to the goal he scored again Mallorca) and it paid off. He has been here many years. He needs to retire here. That’s what I think and what I’ll always.”

Twitter joy

Social media was abuzz with fans, football players and agencies congratulating Ramos for scoring 118 career goals: 

Some more Sergio Ramos’ accolades: 

1. Ramos has now racked up 300 wins for Real Madrid on the La Liga;
2. He has more career goals than some of the world’s best players. The Spaniard has scored 120 goals;
3. Ramos has been named the FIFPro World11 a record 10 times for a defender; and 
4. He has been named La Liga’s best defender a record five times. 

According to Transfermarkt, Ramos has scored more club and country goals than: 

• Philippe Coutinho – 112 goals
• Ivan Rakitic – 108 goals
• Gabriel Jesus – 102 goals
• Riyad Mahrez – 95 goals
• Dele Alli – 89 goals
• Andres Iniesta – 80 goals 
• Luka Modric – 77 goals
• Andrea Pirlo – 76 goals
• Paul Pogba – 75 goals 
• Serge Gnarby – 67 goals 

3. Ramos has been named the FIFPro World11 a record 10 times for a defender. 
4. He has been named La Liga’s best defender a record five times.