José Ignacio Fernández Iglesias, known by his stage name Nacho, is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a centre-back or full-back. He currently plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah.
Nacho has spent the majority of his professional career with Spanish giants Real Madrid, making over 300 appearances for the club since making his debut in 2011.
During his time with Real Madrid, he won an impressive array of trophies, including a record six UEFA Champions League titles, a feat shared with legendary players Paco Gento, Luka Modrić, Toni Kroos and Dani Carvajal.
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- Full name: José Ignacio Fernández Iglesias
- Stage name: Nacho Fernandez
- Date of birth: January 18, 1990
- Age: 34 years old
- Place of birth: Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
- Nationality: Spanish
- Occupation: Spanish Football Player
- Height: 1.8 m
- Parents: José María Fernández and Maite Iglesias
- Siblings: Álex Fernández and Maite Fernández Iglesias
- Spouse: Maria Cortes (married 2014)
- Children: José Ignacio Fernández Cortés and Alejandra Fernández Cortés
- Relationship: Married
- Net worth: $10 million
Early life and education
José Ignacio Fernández Iglesias was born on 18 January 1990 in Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain. He was raised by his parents, José María Fernández and Maite Iglesias, along with his siblings, Álex Fernández, a professional footballer for La Liga club Cádiz, and Maite Fernández Iglesias.
Although details of his education are unknown, Nacho’s focus from a young age was on his football career, starting at Real Madrid’s youth academy. He is Spanish and his religious beliefs are not public.
Career
Nacho joined Real Madrid’s youth academy at the age of 11 and steadily progressed through the ranks. He made his first-team debut with the reserves in the 2008–09 Segunda División B season and continued his development over the next two seasons.
Nacho made his La Liga debut for Real Madrid’s first team on 23 April 2011, as a left-back in a 6–3 win over Valencia. He has since established himself as a versatile and reliable defender for the club, making over 300 appearances. During his time with Real Madrid, he has won 26 trophies, including a joint-record six UEFA Champions League titles.
At international level, Nacho made his senior debut for Spain in 2013 and was part of the squads for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2024, winning the latter. He also played in the 2023 UEFA Nations League Finals, contributing to Spain’s first major trophy in 11 years.
In June 2024, Nacho signed a two-year contract with Al-Qadsiah, a newly promoted Saudi Pro League side. He was also part of Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 squad, starting in their first group stage match and featuring in their victory over England in the final, further cementing his status as one of Spain’s most decorated players.
Social media
- Instagram: @nachofdez90
- Facebook: Nacho Fernández Iglesias
- Twitter: @nachof_26
Personal life
Nacho Fernández is married to Maria Cortes, with whom he has had a strong and long-lasting relationship since childhood. The couple married in 2014 and have since built a beautiful family of four children—two daughters and two sons.
While the names of their two younger children have not been publicly revealed, their eldest son, José Ignacio Fernández Cortés, and eldest daughter, Alejandra Fernández Cortés, have occasionally been the focus of media attention.
Net worth
As of 2023, Nacho Fernández has an estimated net worth of $10 million. This figure is based on his career earnings from playing for Real Madrid and other clubs. In addition to his salary, Nacho has also earned significant income from sponsorship deals and commercial partnerships throughout his career.
