Sergio Ramos, a defender for Paris-Saint-Germain, was not selected by Spain coach Luis Enrique to compete in the World Cup.
Spain is participating in its 12th consecutive FIFA World Cup and its 16th World Cup overall. Spain hasn’t missed a final tournament since 1974.
The Spanish national squad includes seven players from FC Barcelona as well as Dani Carvajal and Marco Asensio from Real Madrid.
Since his debut in March 2005, the 36-year-old Ramos has appeared 180 times for his nation and scored 23 goals. He had a significant role in the Spain team’s victories in the European Championship in 2008 and 2012, as well as the World Cup in 2010.
Luis Enrique, the new manager of Spain, led his team to the Nations League final and the semi-finals of the Euro 2020 tournament in his first major managerial event.
Spain’s 2022 FIFA World Cup team revealed
The Spain World Cup team will not include Sergio Ramos and Thiago Alcantara.
Eight defenders, seven midfielders, and eight forwards make up Luis Enrique’s team. It is a relatively youthful team that, in the words of the coach, “is not going to die of fright.”
Luis Enrique has no doubt about his squad selection for Spain 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/4AGBdc7DxB
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 11, 2022
Luis Enrique, said in an interview, “I won’t assess the players who aren’t on the list. I recognize and thank all of those players who have contributed during my time here and played games with the national team.”
Furthermore, he said, “Evidently, for now the important ones now are the 26 who are here. How am I going to have doubts? “There’s no better national team manager than me in the history of world football.”
“That’s what I believe. Another thing is that it’s reality, which evidently is not true. But I believe it.”
Spain’s World Cup squad is here 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/vBgObfSw2v
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 11, 2022
The 26-man squad consists of:
GOALKEEPERS: Unai Simon, Robert Sánchez, David Raya
DEFENDERS: Dani Carvajal, César Azpilicueta, Eric Garcia, Hugo Guillamón, Pau Torres, Aymeric Laporte, Jordi Alba, Jose Gaya
MIDFIELDERS: Sergio Busquets, Rodri, Gavi, Carlos Soler, Marcos Llorente, Pedri, Koke
FORWARDS: Ferran Torres, Pablo Sarabia, Yeremy Pino, Alvaro Morata, Marco Asensio, Nico Williams, Ansu Fati, Dani Olmo
Fans react to Sergio Ramos’ absence from the FIFA World Cup 2022
Ramos, the Spaniard with the most appearances, last played for La Roja in March 2021, but he was back in the mix following a stellar season for PSG, when he started all six of their Champions League games and played 12 times in Ligue 1.
After an injury-plagued 2020–21 season, the center-back was left off Spain’s Euro 2020 roster, and that same summer, he departed Real Madrid for PSG on a free transfer.
He only played 13 games in all competitions during his debut season in the French capital due to ailments, but he has now returned to his club fully fit.
Spain have left some serious talent at home 😳 pic.twitter.com/D1ysgAtgQQ
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 11, 2022
A fan commented, “Lmao I have been saying this thing since. Enrique is biased towards Barcelona players. Only Enrique will start Busquets over Rodri even though currently Rodri is better.”
A second added, “A bit ruthless considering his form & experience. Disgraceful, Spain aren’t making past the round of 16.”
Another added, “Doesn’t change the fact that he is the greatest Spanish player of all time and he owns Messi.”
The last one concluded, “Enrique picked Eric fricking Garcia over Ramos!! This bias toward Barca players is gonna cost them big time in the WC.”
Germany, the victor of the 2014 World Cup, Japan, and Costa Rica are also in Group E with La Roja.
Spain will play a friendly match against Jordan on November 17 in order to narrow down the field. Spain starts its World Cup opener on November 23 against Costa Rica.
