Nacho: Spain's 2026 World Cup win, conceding only one goal, is foundation for 'second star'

Published Jul 28, 05:21 AM UTC

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In an opinion piece published on AS, former Real Madrid and Spain defender Nacho Fernández reflects on Spain's victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which he calls the 'second star' for the national team. He praises the team's unity, defensive solidity (conceding only one goal in the tournament), and the performances of players like Cubarsí and Ferran Torres, who scored a historic goal. Nacho also credits the coach for helping him during his departure from Real Madrid. He highlights how football has unified Spain during a time of division, expressing pride in the squad and hoping for more titles in the future.

Source report

Updated: July 28, 2026 — 07:06 CEST By: Nacho Fernández

It is a true honor and a pleasure to be able to talk about this generation. I was lucky enough to live with them when we won the Nations League and the European Championship. And what I appreciate from the outside is that this spirit is still completely intact.

First, as a Spaniard, I am happy. Second, I am also happy because I have been a teammate of practically the entire squad. Of course, especially the coach, whom I have great admiration and respect for — not only because we won great things together, but because he helped me at a delicate moment: my departure from Madrid and signing a new contract with another club. He supported me at all times.

This "great family" does not surprise me. While it is often a football cliché, it is the reality here. It has been maintained for many years during which practically everything has been achieved. And it is no coincidence that the conclusion of it all is having achieved that second star. The decisiveness that Spanish football has right now is, without a doubt, among the greatest in history.

I am happy for all the boys. The tournament they have played is incredible — always going from less to more. Playing well. Tightening up when they had to tighten up. Being a defense that conceded only one goal in the entire World Cup. Players like Cubarsí, who doesn't need to be flashy — simply a normal guy, a great footballer, and also an example for all children. You can be a normal person and a super footballer.

I am also happy for Ferran, of course, because even he himself has said that he has gone through bad times where he was heavily criticized. In the end, he scores a goal that will go down in football history. I am happy for the coaching staff. For all the boys. I could go on naming names and never finish, because they all have something special that makes the National Team champions.

Truly, great merit. Because being world champion is no small feat. They have managed to unify a country once again. And it seems that when everything is broken, football — the ball — manages to unify many people. It's amazing.

I am very happy. Now, I imagine it will be time for a few days to disconnect with the family, but this is something that will last a lifetime.

Second star... and may many more come, God willing.

Source

Feed MRSS-S real_madrid_aWestern

Original headline: Segunda estrella... y que vengan muchas más

Original language: ES

Part of this Story

Spain's Second World Cup Star: Nacho Fernández Celebrates National Team Triumph

See the full Story: all sources and camp coverage

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