Last January, four days ahead of his 34th birthday, Nacho finally fulfilled a dream he’d been cultivating for at least two thirds of his life. With the Real Madrid captain’s armband wrapped around his right bicep, he received a trophy before thousands of exuberant madridistas, and lifted it to the Riyadh skies.
After that triumph, especially sweet in that Barcelona had just been defeated 4-1 in the Spanish Super Cup final, the trophy lifts became habitual, three in a hurry.
The Madrid captain accepted La Liga silverware in May, the Uefa Champions League earlier this month, and, if many of the prognoses come to pass, Nacho may also feature prominently in the celebratory photos for another significant title in mid-July – as part of the Spain team who have made such and electrifying start to the European Championship in Germany.
By then Nacho will be planning his next trip to Saudi Arabia, for a long-term stay at Al Qadsiah, newly promoted to the Pro League and visibly ambitious about their return to the country’s top division.
For a Pro League conscious of its global status, the signing of Real Madrid’s captain is a headline event. The Saudi football map now features two of the last three captains to have lifted the European Cup, the most esteemed title in club football – the other is Al Ittihad’s Karim Benzema, Real Madrid’s Ballon d’Or winning star for their double in 2021/22.
Nacho’s arrival is an endorsement that the league’s competitive landscape is adjusting from one where the so-called “Big Four” – Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli – are viewed with resigned apprehension by the rest, to a broader base of genuine challengers. Al Qadsiah have the financial backing of Aramco, and a clear target of establishing Khodar, where they are based, as a centre of excellence to rival Riyadh and Jeddah.
Nacho, who has spent the last few months mulling over possible moves to the US Major League Soccer and a contract renewal offer from Madrid, where his current deal expires on June 30, has been persuaded of that. Beyond the clear appeal of the reported €10 million package offered him for his two-year deal, he listened to compatriots like Michel, the coach who oversaw Al Qadsiah’s promotion and was once a Real Madrid captain himself, and positively assessed at the club’s wider recruitment plans.
Nacho will be part of a defence strengthened already this summer by the signing of Koen Casteels, the goalkeeper who is No 1 for Belgium at the Euros. He has heard recommendations about the set-up from fellow Spaniard, Alvaro Gonzalez, a former teammate with the title-winning national under-21s, who was part of Al Qadsiah’s promotion side.
“The club’s owners have big sporting ambitions,” according to Casteels, “and it’s a league that’s becoming more and more attractive. You just have to look at the names of the European players there.”
A glance at how some of those names are performing in Germany also made a compelling argument. After some pre-tournament curiosity about how fit, sharp and ready the 14 Pro League players called up by their countries for the Euros might be compared with players employed in, say, the English Premier League, La Liga, the Bundesliga or Italy’s Serie A, there is a growing acknowledgement that a season spent in the biggest-spending league outside Europe is no impediment to vigorous displays for an elite national team.
Witness Al Ittihad’s N’Golo Kante, recalled by France after a two-year absence for the national team and, in his two appearances so far at the Euros, once again the tireless midfield motor of Les Bleus. Or Al Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo, 39 years old but leading the line, unsubstituted, through Portugal’s efficient claiming of top place in their group with a fixture to spare.
Among those offering Nacho direct insights into Saudi club football over the past two weeks has been his Spain colleague, Aymeric Laporte, who confronted several sceptical questions over how well he had maintained the level of his football after leaving Manchester City – and a Uefa Champions League trophy-lift – last year to join Al Nassr.
“The fact is people have prejudices about the league, and of course we are all conscious that it seems new to some and that its marketing is still developing, bit by bit,” said Laporte. “But in the future it will be seen as more and more competitive. It’s worth saying that, here at the Euros, Kante has been man of the match twice for France.”
Spain 3 Croatia 0 – player ratings
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SPAIN RATINGS: Good one-handed stop from Brozovic's shot to prevent Croatia pulling score back to 2-1. Dreadful ball out resulted in Spain giving away late penalty, which he then saved only for Petkovic to score at second attempt … only for goal to be denied for Croatia encroachment. AFP -
Scored in Champions League final for Real Madrid and made it 3-0 here with first-time close-range finish from perfect Yamal cross for his first goal in 45th game for Spain. A calm presence in defence. AP -
Real Sociedad defender will have tougher days at the office than dealing with Croatia’s toothless forward line. AFP -
Spain defender Nacho challenges Croatia's Lovro Majer during the Euro 2024 group-stage match in Berlin on June 15, 2024. AP -
Chelsea left-back bombed forward regularly, which other teams will look to exploit as tournament progresses. Threw himself at Stanisic’s shot in second half to stop Croatia pulling goal back. EPA -
PSG midfielder supplied lovely through-ball for Morata’s goal, then produced lovely skill and quick feet before firing low shot home for the second. EPA -
Fulcrum of this Spanish team who does not waste a pass and provides immaculate cover in front of defence. As reliable and consistent for his country as he is for club side Manchester City. Gave away late penalty with blatant trip on Pekovic to stop him scoring and earn yellow card. AP -
Like Rodri, barely put a foot wrong with his distribution even up against a Croatia midfield filled with experience. Barcelona midfielder already has 20 caps to his name aged just 21 and will be key player for Spain in Germany. EPA -
Youngest player ever in Euros history at 16 years and 338 days. Winger involved in build-up to second goal and supplied perfect cross for Carvajal to make it 3-0. Denied second-half goal by fine Livakovic save. Reuters -
Helped keep Croatia stretched by hugging left touchline with Yamal doing same on opposite flank. Coach Luis de La Fuente said the pair “have a gift from God" and although Williams did not have massive impact on this game, his pace always offered a threat. AP -
Spanish captain opened scoring just before half-hour mark with calm finish to become joint third top scorer in the history of Euros with seven goals. Went off injured in second half. EPA -
SUBS: (On for Pedri 60’) RB Leipzig winger made a few surging runs after coming on but final ball was lacking. AP -
(On for Morata 67’) Slotted in with minimum fuss with game already won. AP -
(On for Williams 67’) Real Sociedad’s former Newcastle United midfielder was neat and tidy after coming on. AP -
(On for Rodri 86’). Reuters -
(On for Yamal 86’). AFP -
CROATIA RATINGS: Fenerbahce goalkeeper had no chance with any of the goals as defence opened up by excellent Spanish passing. Brilliant save to deny Yamal second-half goal. EPA -
Should have scored in second-half but Cucurella able to block his shot. Defensively, will be happy enough with how he dealt with pace and trickery of Williams. EPA -
Dragged out of position for Spain opener, which gave Morata space to run through and finish. AP -
Centre of Croatia’s defence was ripped open for first goal as team lost its shape against quick counter-attack and Pongracic was unable to get back and prevent Morata scoring. EPA -
Almost helped pull goal back for Croatia when his cross-come shoot flew across face of goal when slightest touch would have sent ball into net. Caught at wrong end of pitch when Spain launched counter-attack for first goal. AP -
Part of a midfield three with 372 appearances between them going into the game. Thought he had pulled goal back for Croatia with side-footed finish only for Simon to save well. AP -
Had Croatia’s first attempt at goal after 30 minutes, a weak strike easily saved by keeper. Experienced midfield trio helped side enjoy 53 per cent of possession but it was Spain who produced the killer passes going forward. EPA -
Midfield maestro playing against country where he has played for last 12 seasons but will not have enjoyed this 90 minutes. Beaten by quick feet of Ruiz ahead of PSG player making it 2-0. Taken off along with Kovacic in second half. AFP -
Failed to offer any cutting edge as Croatia’s attacking threat did not materialise and were completely outshone by the opposition’s forward players. -
Anonymous showing from Wolfsburg attacker and can count himself lucky not to have been hooked. The Croatian fans that had taken over the Olympiastadion will have been bitterly disappointed at their powder-puff attack. Reuters -
Attacker, who plies club trade with Osasuna in Spain, was feeding on scraps. Sent one difficult header high and wide, failed to get on end of Gvardiol cross with goal at mercy. Hooked before hour mark. Reuters -
SUBS: (On for Budemir 56’) Huge fan favourite given superb reception when coming on. His encroachment into box before penalty would result on Petkovic being denied a consolation goal. EPA -
(On for Modric 65’) Match was already over and little opportunity to make mark. Reuters -
(On for Kovacic 65’) Fresh legs brought into midfield battle that was already lost. AP -
(On for Kramaric 72’) Saw penalty saved by Simon only for ball to be sent back into the box, which he then finished … only for goal to be disallowed for encroachment ahead of the spot-kick. AP
Laporte was commanding for Spain in their 1-0 win over Italy, his place in the starting XI facilitated by a minor injury to Nacho, who had been picked ahead of Laporte for La Roja’s opening 3-0 victory over Croatia.
Nacho’s injury may keep him out of Monday's game against Albania but he is expected to be recovered in time for the last-16 tie Spain have already assured themselves in Cologne and it did not affect his fitness tests ahead of agreeing his new contract with Al Qadsiah.
As negotiations intensified, the defender had asked to be spared media duties with Spain, but he is expected to speak about the move at some stage during the Euros.
Those close to Nacho speak of a genuine emotional wrench, in deciding to leave Madrid, the club he has been attached to since the age of 11, and where his loyalty is hugely admired. For long periods, it has meant sitting patiently on the bench, a deputy to some of the most formidable – and long-lasting – centre-backs in the game.
When he made his debut for Madrid’s seniors, back in 2011, Sergio Ramos and Pepe were first choice at the heart of the back four. When he made his 364th and last appearance for the club, in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund three weekends ago, he was partnering Antonio Rudiger in a team missing, because of injury, David Alaba and Eder Militao.
Spain 1 Italy 0 – player ratings
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SPAIN RATINGS. Quiet evening as Spain totally dominated possession and chances against Italy. Spain qualify for the last 16 with two wins and no goals conceded so far. Getty Images -
One of the most experienced players in a largely young team and knew exactly what he was doing when he went down after 90 minutes, despite hardly being touched. Booked. AFP -
The French-born defender has been excellent for Real Sociedad this past season. In the wars, and gave up three free kicks, but a solid performance. Booked. AP -
In for Nacho in the only change to the Spain side which beat Croatia. Late header flew over as he tried to score. And an even later header on 95 minutes put Italy’s final attack out for a corner. Getty Images -
Brilliant ball from the left-back to Pedri on 51 minutes as Spain pushed for an opener. Energetic. AP -
Headed a first-minute header at Donnarumma when he should have scored. Steered the best chance of the second half wide, then had a better strike on target after 53 minutes. AP -
Beautiful angles and passes as Spain had over 60 per cent of possession. Hurt by Cristante 20 seconds into the second half and a weak challenge later allowed the same player space down the right. Booked. Reuters -
Spain’s biggest shooting threat. Beautiful strike on 24 minutes for the PSG player in a game Spain dominated against a disappointing Italy. AFP -
Lovely turn as Spain attacked well in the first half and curled a left-foot shot inches wide on the hour. Played without fear as he tried to become the youngest player to score at the European Championship. AP -
Spain’s captain whipped a cross towards Williams and tried to get shots on target. Flicked a Williams cross – the pair combined well - with his head towards goal, which resulted in the own goal to open the scoring. AP -
Dazzling start as he set up Pedri for a first-minute header. Missed a sitter from a cross from Morata after a rapid run from deep. Fine run down the left before crossing for the opening goal. Bent a shot on to the crossbar after 70 mins. Brilliant performance. AP -
SPAIN SUBS. (On for Pedri, 71'): Villarreal’s attacking midfielder came on for the last 20 minutes. Reuters -
(On for Yamal, 71'): Quickly put a cross in. Finished the game marking the far taller Donnarumma as Italy’s goalkeeper captain came up to try and equalise. AP -
(On for Morata, 78'): He’s another Real Sociedad player in Spain’s youthful but, as they showed against Italy, talented squad. Reuters -
(On for Williams, 78'): Some beautiful touches and skill down the left, including a nutmeg on the helpless Di Lorenzo. Two shots on target in the final minutes; he should have scored with the second. Gets people off their seats. EPA -
ITALY RATINGS. Busy early on with several important stops, repelling a couple of headed chances and a great save from Ruiz. Italy's best player by a mile. AP -
Given a torrid time in first half by Williams. Recovered somewhat after the break with some determined blocks but a night to forget. Getty Images -
Did his best to stem the Spanish tide, including one vital interception on 38 minutes. EPA -
Up and down throughout. Clearly a big prospect and unlucky with own goal. EPA -
Did OK against Yamal. Kept pushing but end product was invariably poor. EPA -
Lots of energy but too many misplaced passes and poor decisions. Hooked at half time. Reuters -
Out of sorts as the Spanish swarmed around him in the first half, no surprise to see him withdrawn at the break. Reuters -
The best of the Italian midfielders but that's not saying a lot. Tough night for a quality player. AP -
Blazed one ugly effort over and then booked in the aftermath. A night to forget. Reuters -
Largely marooned up front, save for one slick turn and run on the counter attack. Getty Images -
Industrious but on the fringes of the game, like so many of his teammates. AP -
ITALY SUBS. Cristante (On for Jorginho, 45'): Booked almost immediately but did dig in and helped his side exert some control. EPA -
(On for Frattesi, 45'): Erratic display but made vital goal-line clearance. AP -
(On for Scamacca, 64'): Put himself about with minimal impact. EPA -
(On for Chiesa, 64'): Winger provided some energy. EPA -
(On for Pellegrini, 82'): Put himself about in closing stages. Reuters
That constancy at Madrid, where he won a record-equalling 26 trophies, among them six European Cups, and that willingness to accept a back-up role, year after year in his 20s, helped establish Nacho as an unusually rounded footballer. He made himself versatile, trusted as much at right-back or left-back as in his principal position, centre-back. He has often been tasked with specialist man-marking jobs.
Assuming Neymar recovers fitness to be playing regularly for Al Hilal in the coming season, the Brazilian will go into the games against Al Qadsiah remembering Nacho’s rigorous policing of him during some momentous meetings between Paris Saint-Germain, Neymar’s former club, and Madrid.
Nacho’s position as Madrid club captain, assumed after Benzema left the Spanish capital for Jeddah a year ago, owed both to his long service and natural qualities of leadership. Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti had come to sound out Nacho as much as any senior player about tactical decisions and the Italian confidently forecasts, that, of all the players he has worked with in the last three seasons, Nacho is the likeliest to successfully pursue a career in coaching when his playing days are over.
Nacho and Ancelotti have, though, disagreed on one major issue. The Italian waved his trusted captain off to the Euros with a plea. “Don’t do anything crazy,” Ancelotti told him, pointing him towards the contract renewal on offer at the Bernabeu, “stay with us here at Madrid.”
Nacho has instead chosen a fresh, intrepid direction. He will be missed at the club that defined him.
