Sergio Ramos leaves Mexican soccer with a farewell goal and Liga MX record

The fire burned bright for Toluca’s Diablos in the 2025 Apertura semi-final return leg , but that didn’t stop Sergio Ramos from silencing the crowd one last time.

Monterrey’s visit to Nemesio Diez ended in disappointment, with Toluca advancing to the final thanks to their superior position in the table. For Ramos, though, the night marked both a personal milestone and his anticipated farewell to Mexican soccer.

Penalty for the history books

By the 50th minute, Toluca were already 3–0 up (and ahead 3–1 on aggregate). Then came a lifeline: a penalty call at the edge of the box. After a lengthy VAR review, referee Santander confirmed the decision. Ramos, determined to avenge a missed penalty against Hugo González earlier in the season, stepped up with trademark authority. No theatrics, no hesitation—just a clean strike into the back of the net.

With the ball tucked under his arm and a finger to his lips to hush the home crowd, Ramos sprinted back to restart play. Monterrey’s mission wasn’t accomplished, but Ramos had proven once again the mentality that defined his career: fight until the very end.

A record-breaking farewell

At 39 years and 251 days old, Ramos became the oldest player ever to score in a Liga MX playoff match. Though Monterrey fell short collectively, his goal etched his name into the league’s history books.

Ramos surpasses Benjamín Galindo who was 39 years and 167 days when he found the net for Chivas in the Verano 2000 semi-final return leg against Toluca in May 2000. And also Tigres forward Cabinho who netted in the 1987 quarter finals aged 39 years and 22 days.

For Ramos, wearing the No. 93 jersey, it was more than just a consolation—it was his final contribution in Mexican soccer. The Spanish legend has already decided to leave the country, closing this chapter of his career with a record that will endure for years.