Role Footballer Siblings Alex Fernandez 1999–2001 AD Complutense Spouse Maria Cortes (m. 2014) | Name Jose Iglesias Number 6 Weight 75 kg Playing position Height 1.79 m | |
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Full name Jose Ignacio Fernandez Iglesias Date of birth (1990-01-18) 18 January 1990 (age 25) Similar People Casemiro, Alvaro Arbeloa, Asier Illarramendi, Jese, Fernando Pacheco Flores Profiles | ||
José Ignacio Fernández Iglesias (born 18 January 1990), commonly known as Nacho ([ˈnatʃo]), is a Spanish professional footballer who plays for Real Madrid mainly as a central defender but also as a right or left back.
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Club career
Born in Madrid, Nacho arrived in Real Madrid's youth system at the age of 11. He made his senior debuts in 2008–09, playing two games with the reserves in Segunda División B and subsequently appearing in a further two full seasons in the category.
On 23 April 2011, Nacho made his first-team – and La Liga – debut, starting as a left back in a 3–6 away win against Valencia CF and playing in the entire match. His second appearance came the following week, in a 2–3 home loss to Real Zaragoza.
Nacho was one of the youth team players chosen to accompany the first team on their summer friendlies in North America, prior to the start of the 2011–12 campaign. He came on as a substitute in all three matches, against the LA Galaxy, C.D. Guadalajara and Philadelphia Union.
On 2 September 2012, main squad manager José Mourinho announced that Nacho, along with Álvaro Morata and Jesús, would be promoted to the first team, but continue to play with Castilla. He became an official full-time first team member at the start of 2013–14, receiving the number 18 shirt after the departure of Raúl Albiol.
On 3 July 2014, Nacho signed a new contract with Real Madrid until 2021. He scored his first official goal with the main squad on 10 January of the following year, closing the score in a 3–0 home victory against RCD Espanyol.
Two minutes after replacing the injured Marcelo in a UEFA Champions League group stage match against Paris Saint-Germain F.C. on 3 November 2015, Nacho scored the only goal and sealed his team's advance to the last-16 with his first goal in a European competition. He contributed with five appearances, as the tournament ended in conquest.
On 11 February 2017, Nacho made his 100th appearance for Real Madrid in a 3–1 away win against CA Osasuna. Benefitting from injuries and suspensions to teammates, he was the most utilized player in the centre-back position as the club won its first national championship in five years; he added four matches in the Champions League, again conquered by his team.
International career
After playing for Spain at under-17, under-19 and under-21 levels, Nacho was first called by the full side on 2 September 2013 for a friendly with Switzerland to be held eight days later, in place of injured Iñigo Martínez. He made his debut by replacing Real Madrid teammate Sergio Ramos early into the second half of the 2–2 draw against Chile in Geneva.
Club
As of 23 September 20171 Includes Supercopa de España, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
International
As of 5 September 2017Club
International
Personal life
Nacho's younger brother, Álex, is also a footballer. A midfielder, he too graduated from Real Madrid's academy, and both made their first-team debut in the same game.
Ever since joining Real's academy, Nacho managed to avoid major injuries, attributing his success to his eating habits and preparation. He has two children with his wife María Cortés, daughter Alejandra and son José Ignacio, with the latter being born the morning of the team's 2016 Champions League win.
In November 2016, Nacho revealed that he lived with diabetes since he was 12 years old.