Nacho, the captain of Real Madrid, has decided to leave the club after an impressive career that saw him win 26 trophies, including six European Cups. The Spain defender, who joined Madrid’s youth academy at the age of 10, made 364 appearances for the club since his senior debut in 2012. His final match was the Champions League final win against Borussia Dortmund, where he became one of only five players to win six European Cups with the club.
Nacho, who is currently with the Spain squad at Euro 2024, has announced that he will be joining Saudi Arabian club Al-Qadsiah. After months of reflection and indecision, Nacho said that he needed to have one last and different experience with his family at this time. Despite leaving Real Madrid, Nacho leaves with 26 international caps and a long list of achievements, including four La Liga titles, two Spanish Cups, five Club World Cups, four European Super Cups, and five Spanish Super Cups.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez praised Nacho, saying that since he joined the youth academy as a child, he had been an example to everyone and had earned the admiration and affection of all at the club. Nacho’s departure marks the end of an era at Real Madrid, as one of the club’s most successful players moves on to a new challenge in Saudi Arabia.