With his contract now official, Real Madrid have informed the fans that Nacho has been named the new captain, taking the armband from Karim Benzema after the Frenchman left to join Al Ittihad recently.

On Thursday, Real Madrid have confirmed that long-serving protector Nacho Fernandez has penned another one-year agreement at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Nacho’s past contract was expected to expire in June yet he affirmed recently that he had consented to extend his stay in Madrid by a further a year.

Nacho follows midfield Toni Kroos in extending his agreement by a year.

Nacho joined the Real Madrid Academy at 11 years old and has since put in 319 appearances for the senior side, lifting no less than 23 trophies across 22 years at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The 33-year-old has not forever been a starter during his time at the club however has enthusiastically filled in any place across the backline, ending up a solid choice on occasion of emergency and offering some veteran administration in the changing area.

“I see him every day, and I understand his discomfort at not playing, and he’s gone through moments where he was not happy,” manager Carlo Ancelotti revealed earlier this season. But he’s not complained, he continued to suffer, and show professionalism.

“When I have needed him, he’s been ready. I’m not here to make friends, but for Real Madrid to win.”

Lionel Messi won’t play in 2026 FIFA World Cup

The Argentine captain, who won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar toward the end of last year, has declared he won’t be on the contribute searching for a rehash 2026.

“I have to take a hard pass. This was my last World Cup,” Messi told Titan Sports. “I’ll find out how things turn out, yet on a basic level no, I will not go to the following World Cup.”

Messi, 35, as of late declared that he would leave Paris St. Germain to join Bury Miami of MLS, with his presentation liable to come in mid-to-late July. He set a few standards while playing for Barcelona and has won the Ballon d’Or, as the world’s top footballer, a record multiple times.

His principal football rival, Cristiano Ronaldo, likewise is probably not going to contend in the 2026 World Cup. He is 38 years of age and left Manchester United in January to join Saudi Pro League.

The 2026 World Cup will be facilitated by Canada, Mexico, and the US, with an extended field of 48 groups participating in the competition.

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