Sergio Ramos García (born 30 March 1986 in Camas,
Seville) more commonly known as Sergio Ramos, is a
Spanish international footballer, who usually plays
as a defender for Real Madrid. Ramos is a graduate
of the Sevilla FC youth system and is regarded as
one of the world's best defenders. He is known for
his runs up and down the right flank, accurate
crosses into the box, strong defending, prowess in
the air and is a constant threat on goal at set
pieces and in open play.
In 2004, Ramos became one of the key figures in
Spain's Under-21's, playing six international
matches and acquiring experience and interest from
other clubs. In Salamanca, against China, he played
for the senior side at only nineteen years of age,
making him the youngest player to play for the
national team in the last 55 years. He held this
record until it was broken by Arsenal's Cesc
Fábregas.
He impressed on his debut (26 March 2005 versus
China) and was awarded a place in the team which
would challenge Serbia and Montenegro in an
important qualification match for the 2006 FIFA
World Cup. Because of the absence of fellow Madrid
player Míchel Salgado he was part of the starting
eleven.
Ramos was announced as part of the Spain World Cup
Squad on 15 May 2006, and eventually replaced
Salgado as Spain's first choice right-back.
Throughout Spain's Euro 2008 qualification, he was a
regular member of the starting XI as they finished
at the top of Group F above Sweden. In the
qualifications, he scored two goals, including one
in a 3-1 win over Denmark, in 11 appearances. Ramos
and Spain are in Group D for the coming
championships this summer, as well as Russia,
Greece, and Sweden.
