Sergio Ramos Becomes Spain’s Most-capped Player with 168 Appearances
Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos has written his name into the history books to become Spain’s most-capped player ever.
Ramos started Spain’s Euro 2020 qualifier on Saturday night away at Norway, making a staggering 168th appearance for his country - one more than goalkeeping legend Iker Casillas.
The 33-year-old centre-back has also become the most-capped European outfield player in the history of the game, surpassing Latvian legend Vitalijs Astafjevs.
Ramos has enjoyed a stellar international career, winning the World Cup in 2010, as well as the Euros back-to-back in 2008 and 2012 with Spain.
The defender made his first appearance for the senior side all the way back on March 26, 2005 against China.
EURO 2020 QUALIFIERS
Kazakhstan 0-2 Belgium Belarus 1-2 Holland Hungary 1-0 Azerbaijan Cyprus 0-5 Russia Scotland 6-0 San Marino
Brazil I’Coast S’Africa Kenya Gambia Sao Tome
1-1 Nigeria 3-1 DR Congo 2-1 Mali 0-1 Mozambique
AFCON 2021 QUALIFIERS
Seychelles 0-1 S’Sudan Chad 1-0 Liberia (5-4 agg.) 1-1 Djibouti (3-2 agg) 2-1 Mauritius (5-2 agg.)
At only 18 years and 361 days of age, Ramos became the youngest player to feature for Spain’s national team in the last 55 years prior to that date.
Ramos will undoubtedly be looking to win many more caps before he eventually hangs up his boots and he is showing no signs of slowing down.
Ramos was set to enjoy the perfect night on Saturday with Spain on the verge of sealing a clean sheet and a 1-0 victory against Norway.
However, Josh King scored a last-minute penalty to equalise in injury-time after Omar Elabdellaoui was clumsily fouled by Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Meanwhile, the Real Madrid defender has revealed he’s keen to represent Spain at the 2020 Olympics after playing in next summer’s European Championships.
International sides are able to select three overage players in their squads, which are otherwise comprised of players under the age of 23. As Spain’s captain, Ramos would appear to be one of the most likely of La Roja’s experienced players to be given a call-up - and he says he’s open to the idea.
‘Any player that is offered the opportunity to play in the Olympic Games would say yes,’ he said. ‘It is too early to discuss this as I will not be rushed.
Ramos is now Spain’s most capped player of all-time after starting the fixture and looks set to add many more to his record if he features in both tournaments next summer.