Nacho praises the development of the Saudi League and his experience with Al-Qadisiyah
In remarks reflecting the growing global appeal of sports in the Kingdom, Spanish football legend Nacho Fernandez, current captain of Al-Qadisiyah FC and former Real Madrid icon, expressed his profound admiration for the rapid development of Saudi football. This came during his participation in the "Ithra Days" cultural event, organized by the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran, which dedicated the month of January to celebrating Spanish culture.
A complete cultural and sporting experience in the Kingdom
Nacho affirmed that the warm welcome and excellent treatment he received from the moment he arrived in Saudi Arabia left a profound and unforgettable impression on him. He noted that his integration into Saudi society extended beyond the football pitch, encompassing cultural and social aspects, which strengthened his sense of belonging. He described the Al-Qadisiyah club environment as "one family" that grows and develops day by day, thanks to the strong bond between foreign and local players.
A technical comparison between La Liga and the Saudi League
Speaking about the technical aspects, Nacho drew a comparative analysis between his long experience in the Spanish League (La Liga) and his current experience in the Saudi League. He explained, "The Spanish League has a rich history and extensive experience, but the Saudi League surprised me with its immense potential for rapid growth." The veteran defender added that there is a clear difference in playing styles; while the tactical and technical aspects are dominant in Spain, the Saudi League is characterized by high physicality and strong tackles, creating a fiercely competitive and exciting atmosphere.
Public passion and the future of Saudi football
Nacho made no secret of his admiration for the passionate Saudi fans, emphasizing that their enthusiasm in the stands directly touches the players' hearts, even if they don't understand the words of their chants. Nacho's comments come at a time when Saudi sports are undergoing a historic transformation as part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, with the Saudi League becoming a destination for top-tier international stars, thus increasing the competition's market and technical value.
A look towards the 2034 World Cup
The Al-Qadisiyah captain concluded his remarks with an optimistic vision for the future of football in the Kingdom, praising the wealth of young talent within Saudi clubs. He pointed out that the remarkable development in infrastructure and the professionalism of clubs will have a direct and positive impact on the performance of the Saudi national team, especially as the Kingdom prepares to host the biggest football event, the 2034 World Cup. Nacho offered invaluable advice to children and young people: be patient, work hard, and believe in your abilities to achieve your dreams in the world of football.
