In a rare moment of candid reflection, Sergio Ramos has opened up about the less glamorous side of his legendary career, revealing a childhood nickname that stands in stark contrast to his reputation as one of football’s most feared defenders.
During an appearance on Ibai Llanos’ streaming channel, the Spanish center-back disclosed that he was known as mayonesa
(mayonnaise) in his youth. The moniker, Ramos explained, stemmed from a lifelong obsession with the condiment.
The defender described his habit of adding excessive amounts of mayonnaise to his food, noting that he would repeatedly apply it to his burgers. In a moment of self-deprecation, Ramos also joked that his current look—characterized by a prominent beard and mustache—makes him look like Papá Noel
.
Beyond his culinary preferences, Ramos shared surprising details about his early discipline regarding alcohol. Despite his current social life, the 40-year-old revealed that he abstained from alcohol until the age of 23, limiting himself to occasional drinks on birthdays or New Year’s Eve. He recalled that his first “massive” drink of choice was Malibu with pineapple, though he now maintains a strong preference for red wine.
The Battle for Sevilla FC
While the interview provided a glimpse into his personal life, Ramos remains deeply entangled in a high-stakes financial venture: the potential acquisition of his boyhood club, Sevilla FC. The defender, who is currently without a team following a stint with Rayados de Monterrey, is working alongside Five Eleven Capital to secure the Andalusian side.
The bid for the club has become a focal point of sporting and financial tension in Spain. Recent reports indicate that the investment group, led by Ramos, has tied their final offer to the club’s survival in the top flight. According to reporting from OneFootball, the group may reduce its bid by 25% if the club is relegated, potentially dropping the valuation from €450 million to just over €300 million.
Speaking to One Toro TV during the Feria de Abril, Ramos remained optimistic about the progress of the deal, stating that he is currently enjoying time with his family but expects news in the coming weeks.
“I’m doing wonderful. Now I’m sharing many moments with my family and enjoying. I believe in a few months, weeks, there will be news and let’s hope they are the ones we all want. It’s going the right way.” Sergio Ramos, former Real Madrid and Sevilla defender
The takeover attempt comes at a critical juncture for Sevilla FC, as the club grapples with rising debt and sporting instability. While the deal was initially viewed as a transformative move for the club, some reports, including those from beIN SPORTS, suggest that financial reviews of the club’s records have caused Ramos to rethink the specifics of the acquisition.
Career Transition and Future
Ramos’ move into sports ownership mirrors a broader transition in his life. After a storied career that included multiple Champions League titles and a World Cup victory with Spain, his recent spell in Mexico’s Liga MX served as a final chapter in his active playing days. Despite his age, Ramos has previously indicated that he is not yet ready to fully step away from the game, even as he pivots toward the boardroom.
For global fans, the prospect of Ramos returning to Sevilla—not as a player, but as an owner—represents a poetic closing of the circle for a player who began his journey in the Sevilla youth academy.
Next Checkpoint: The outcome of the Sevilla FC ownership bid is expected to be clarified within the coming weeks as the due diligence process and league survival status are finalized.
Do you think Sergio Ramos is the right person to lead Sevilla FC into a new era? Share your thoughts in the comments below.