Sergio Ramos: Most-capped European

The Spanish defender made his 177th appearance, which is the most ever for a male European soccer player

by Brendan Smith, Sports O’Clock Writing Team Member

(photo credits: Getty Images)

Spain’s Sergio Ramos is officially the record-holder for the most caps (appearances) by a male European soccer player after playing the full 90 minutes in a UEFA Nations League group stage match against Switzerland. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Ramos’ 177 caps with Spain breaks the record set by Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon in 2018, who retired from international duty with 176 caps. While Buffon retired at the age of 40, Ramos is only 34 and potentially has several more years with the Spanish team.

Now that he holds the records for both Spanish and European caps, Ramos can chase the all-time men’s international cap record. The current holder of that record is former Egyptian international Ahmed Hassan, who made 184 appearances for Egypt’s national team from 1995 to 2012. Ramos only needs eight more caps to break the record.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest central defenders of all time, Ramos has played the majority of his club career with Real Madrid. He has won five La Liga titles, four Champions League titles, and holds the record for the most red cards awarded in La Liga history with 20.

While Ramos will look to lead the Spanish national team to victory at this summer’s UEFA Euro 2020, he is in the process of securing a new contract with Real Madrid. Ramos has voiced his desire to stay in Madrid until 2024, but Paris Saint Germain have also offered a contract to get Ramos to come to the French club at the start of next season.

Before returning to club duty, Ramos will get a chance to increase his cap total when Spain play Germany in the Nations League on Tuesday.

(All photos are cited properly. No copyright infringement intended.)