Sergio Ramos, the captain returns with new challenges

Posted Wednesday, July 19, 2017 by Marca.com

Sergio Ramos has joined his Real Madrid teammates for what will be his 13th season in the all white, and in which he will be looking for even more silverware, including the club's 13th Champions League trophy. This season, like every other, will present new challenges and obstacles and as such, Ramos will set himself new goals for the coming campaign.

The fight for the Ballon d'Or

Ramos previously said in an interview with MARCA that he does not think the idea of him winning the Ballon d'Or is crazy and he wants to follow in the footsteps of Fabio Cannavaro - the last defender to be crowned the world's best player.

The top of the Champions League

Having already won three Champions Leagues, Ramos will want to put himself into the top group of players who have four to their name. Since the tournament rebranded as the Champions League, Lionel Messi, Clarence Seedorf, Gerard Pique, Xavi, Samuel Eto'o, Andres Iniesta and Cristiano Ronaldo have all won it four times, an illustrious club that the defender is keen to break into.

Lead the appearance charts

Sergio Ramos should, injuries permitting, move into Real Madrid's top ten appearance makers. The Spaniard currently sits in 12th on 522 games, behind Roberto Carlos' 527 and Guti's 542.

Closing in on total campaigns

Ramos has his eye on equaling Fernando Hierro and Guti's remarkable 14 seasons at the club, and possibly even Raul's 16 campaigns at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. His dream is to retire at Real and at 31 he still has some years ahead of him.

The dream of six trophies

It will not be easy, but with his strength, attitude and leadership, Ramos will be one of the main players as Los Blancos look to win every trophy on offer this season, making history as club captain.

The challenge of the World Cup

It is a World Cup year and Ramos knows he has another chance to make history with Spain, having won the trophy already under Vicente del Bosque. He will be looking to repeat the triumph as captain under Julen Lopetegui.