Spanish legendary center-back Sergio Ramos has unexpectedly released his debut track, in which he appears to criticize president Florentino Perez for forcing him out of Real Madrid four years ago.
The song, titled Cibeles, was inspired by Madrid’s Plaza de Cibeles — where Ramos once celebrated five La Liga titles and four Champions League triumphs with Real. In the music video, Ramos both sings and raps in Spanish, holding prayer beads while staring directly into the camera. Interspersed throughout are clips highlighting his glorious career in the Spanish capital.
In one verse, Ramos sings: “There are things I never said, but they still cause me pain. I never wanted to leave — it was you who told me to fly away.”
Ramos is not the first footballer to step into the music world. Memphis Depay has released several music videos during his time at Lyon and now at Corinthians. Jesse Lingard also showcased his musical talent during his Manchester United days, while former Real star Royston Drenthe pursued a rap career after retiring.
Later in the song, the Spanish defender continues with lines believed to allude to his fallout with Perez: “Luckily, I left, because you no longer treated me the same. I’d rather die standing than live on my knees. You forgot me, abandoned me, denied me the right to choose. That is what hurts me the most.”
Tensions between Ramos and Perez first erupted in 2021. At that time, Ramos rejected a pay-cut extension offered by Real, but when he later changed his mind, Perez informed him that the offer had already expired. The Spaniard had to leave on a free transfer, joining PSG, thus ending 16 years of service and countless trophies at the Bernabéu.
Ramos came through Sevilla’s youth academy but only played one season (2004–2005) for their senior team. He moved to Real in 2005, went on to play 671 matches, scoring 101 goals, and winning five La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey trophies, and four Champions League crowns.
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