Ramos and Monterrey face Inter Milan in Club World Cup at the Rose Bowl, with Veteran defender expected to start
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Monterrey in Group E with Inter Milan, Urawa Red Diamonds, River Plate
Veteran defender Sergio Ramos expected to start
Mbappé, Real Madrid make CWC debut Wednesday
Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
As Monterrey prepares for its debut at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup against UEFA Champions League runners-up Inter Milan, veteran defender Sergio Ramos took a moment to weigh in on one of football’s most talked-about topics: the Ballon d'Or.
While anticipation builds over who will win this year's award, Ramos named Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé as his top pick – unsurprising given his long-standing ties to the Spanish club. However, Ramos acknowledged that despite Mbappé's prolific scoring season, the Frenchman may face stiff competition from players who enjoyed greater team success.
“He won the Golden Boot, but didn’t secure the major trophies others have," he said. "These are individual awards, not team titles. But in football, those collective achievements often tip the scales. There are some top-level players out there who’ve won the Champions League, domestic leagues, even the Nations League. Those things matter.”
Mbappé’s name has consistently surfaced among candidates for the 2025 Ballon d'Or, despite Real Madrid's underwhelming season. Still, the former Madrid captain believes Mbappé has what it takes to dominate the award in the years to come.
“If it were up to me, Kylian would win four or five Ballon d'Ors in the next decade – maybe even more,” Ramos said. “He’s got the talent, and he’s already proven that on the biggest stages.”
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Mbappé claimed the Golden Boot in his debut season in Spain, netting 31 goals – a remarkable individual tally even as Real Madrid came up short in all major competitions, including La Liga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey.
While players such as Lamine Yamal and Ousmane Dembélé are expected to be front-runners in the Ballon d’Or race, Ramos says Mbappé’s goalscoring record speaks louder than silverware.
“He was the top scorer this season. That alone puts him above the rest,” said the veteran defender.
Getty Images SportWHAT SERGIO RAMOS SAID
Sergio Ramos also addressed the presence of his former club, Real Madrid, in the Club World Cup, acknowledging that Los Blancos remain favorites in any international competition they enter.
“Madrid is always a contender in big tournaments,” he said.
While he admitted it would be special to face some of his former teammates, Ramos was honest about what would be best for Monterrey.
"It’s always nice to play against former teammates," he said, "but if we can avoid them, even better – we’d all save ourselves the heartbreak.”
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MONTERREY?
will remain in Los Angeles for the duration of the group stage, where they play Inter Milan on Tuesday, followed by River Plate (June 21) and Urawa Red Diamonds (June 25).