Background and career
José Ignacio Fernández Iglesias (Spanish pronunciation: [xoˈse jɣˈnaθjo feɾˈnandeθ iˈɣlesjas]; born 18 January 1990), known as Nacho Fernández or simply Nacho (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈnatʃo]), is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a defender for Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah. Mainly a centre-back, he has also played at right-back and left-back on occasion.
He spent most of his career with Real Madrid after making his debut with the first team in 2011, making 364 appearances and winning several trophies, including a joint record six Champions Leagues, a record shared with Paco Gento, Luka Modrić, Toni Kroos and Dani Carvajal. Nacho won 26 trophies at Real Madrid, making him the second-most decorated player in the club's history. After over a decade at the club, he moved to Saudi Arabia and signed for Al-Qadsiah in 2024.
Nacho won his first senior cap for Spain in 2013, and was part of the squad at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2024, winning the latter tournament.
