Sergio Ramos Shines Again
Sergio Ramos is once again making headlines in the world of football. At 39, the legendary ex-Real Madrid defender showcased his talent by scoring for Monterrey during their match against Inter, the UEFA Champions League runners-up, in the ongoing Club World Cup, now featuring 32 teams and being held in the United States. This tournament serves as a nostalgic reunion for fans as several former European stars take center stage in different leagues.
Global Stars in Action
Among these stars is Edinson Cavani, a seasoned player who’s traveled across the globe to represent seven clubs in six different countries. From his roots in Uruguay’s Danubio to stints at Napoli in Italy, Paris Saint-Germain in France, Manchester United in England, Valencia in Spain, and now Boca Juniors in Argentina, he continues to make an impact, although he missed the opening game against Benfica due to a calf injury.
Another notable journey across continents belongs to Salomon Rondon, a former Premier League striker with an extensive career boasting 12 different clubs globally. Starting in Venezuela, he has played in Spain, Russia, England, China, Argentina, and now Mexico with Pachuca, where he has thrived over the recent seasons. Pachuca is gearing up to face Red Bull Salzburg tonight, followed by formidable opponents Real Madrid and Al Hilal in Group H of the tournament.
Manuel Lanzini may not have achieved the same stardom as the likes of Dimitri Payet but still captures attention with his skill. After leaving West Ham, he joined River Plate this year, contributing to their solid 3-1 victory against Japan’s Urawa Reds despite not seeing playtime as a substitute. River’s group includes formidable opponents such as Inter and Monterrey.
New Adventures for Veteran Players
Sergio Ramos is a household name and does not need an introduction. He has joined Monterrey, a club known for its wealth, which is currently under the management of Domenec Torrent, a former assistant to Pep Guardiola. The club recently saw the departure of Martin Demichelis and kicked off their Club World Cup campaign with a draw against Inter, featuring a goal from Ramos himself. He expressed confidence in Monterrey’s ability to compete at a high level.
Thiago Silva, a UEFA Champions League winner with Chelsea in 2021, has transitioned to Brazilian side Fluminense, where he enjoys camaraderie with former teammate Marcelo, who recently retired. Silva was crucial in Fluminense’s defensive efforts during their goalless draw against Borussia Dortmund, marking a new chapter in his career that began with a brief stint intended to be just a year at Chelsea.
Ander Herrera also has an interesting story, having moved from Manchester United to PSG before returning to Athletic Club, then transitioning to Boca Juniors in early 2023. In their initial Club World Cup match, Herrera saw red after reacting to a contentious VAR decision regarding a penalty against Benfica—this incident garnered significant attention, especially since he was already substituted due to injury. He joins a roster of past Manchester United players including Cavani and Marcos Rojo at Boca Juniors.
Impressive Transfers and Tournament Performance
Aleksandar Mitrovic is another familiar face, having joined Al Hilal after a standout season with Fulham in the Premier League, where he netted 14 goals last season. Since his arrival in Saudi Arabia for a substantial transfer fee, he has continued to shine with impressive goal involvement stats.
Ruben Neves has also traded the Premier League for the Saudi league, joining at the peak of his career with a notable fee. Meanwhile, Joao Cancelo, known for his time under Guardiola at Manchester City, has ventured to Al Hilal after a series of loans, citing feeling undervalued at City. The team’s new manager, Simone Inzaghi, has brought in stars like Mitrovic and Neves, striving for success in the tournament.
Telles, who previously made headlines during his time with Manchester United, is now at Al Nassr after a productive loan at Sevilla, culminating in a Europa League triumph. He made an impact during the Club World Cup’s opening match by contributing to the win against Seattle Sounders.
How to Catch the Action
For those eager to catch every match of the FIFA Club World Cup, DAZN is offering free access to all the action.
