Six Real Madrid players called up to the Spanish national team for the 2018 World Cup
By Ben Sundock
Sergio Ramos
Spain’s second most capped player behind only former Real Madrid goalkeeper and legend, Iker Casillas, is current Real captain, Sergio Ramos. Sergio has made 151 appearances over his incredible international career, dating all the way back to early 2005 when he made his first senior appearance at just 18 years old.
Since making the permanent move to the first-team, Sergio has been with La Roja for two Euro titles in both 2008 and 2012, as well as starting and playing the full 120 minutes in the 2010 World Cup Final against Holland.
Sergio has been a key cog in the heart of the Spain defense forming a nice bond with FC Barcelona center back, Gerard Pique (only on the international level of course). Ramos usually features as the right center back creating a strong link with Real Madrid right-back, Dani Carvajal.
On the left, Pique links with fullback Jordi Alba, creating a perfect half Barca half Madrid defense.
Over the course of those 151 matches, Sergio has bagged 13 goals. The most important of which (despite not counting toward his total) was his penalty kick in a shootout against Portugal in the 2012 European Championship.
Ramos expertly executed the Panenka-style shot which helped Spain to a 4-2 victory in the shootout.
Watch out for number 15 in red, he will bring his intensity and leadership to the national team like we have seen him do time and time again with Real Madrid.