Nacho eyes Euro 2024 glory with Spain before heading for new adventures in Saudi Arabia

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