Real Madrid News
Real Madrid duo pay tribute to former captain – ‘He is an example for the locker room’
Real Madrid held a farewell ceremony today for departing captain Nacho Fernandez at the club offices.
The club honoured his two-decade journey from academy player to first-team captain before his move to Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia became official.
Various Real Madrid stars were in attendance to celebrate his contributions and bid him a heartfelt goodbye.
Thibaut Courtois applauds Nacho’s journey
Rising through the ranks and making a name for himself, Nacho Fernandez lived the dream of many at Real Madrid, boasting a trophy cabinet that few can rival.
“Nacho’s is a really nice story, that of a youth player who becomes captain of the first team and wins six Champions Leagues,” Courtois remarked via MARCA.
Courtois confessed that the 34-year-old embodies the essence of being a Real Madrid fan, claiming: “I think he represents very well what it means to be a Real Madrid fan, to be a Real Madrid player, and for this dressing room he has always been a key person.”
“Nacho is pure Madridismo and he is an example for the locker room and those to come,” the goalkeeper added.
Highlighting his abilities as a captain, Courtois exclaimed that Nacho’s leadership was especially pivotal last season when the team was going through an injury crisis, with many casualties in defence.
“He is an exemplary captain. With the injured players this season, he has always been helping us and making sure we were fine,” he stated.
Lucas Vazquez also gives Nacho his roses
Lucas Vazquez expressed that parting ways with a player he shared a strong friendship with was an emotional moment for him.
“Today we are all emotional because a very important figure of Real Madrid is leaving,” he said.
“We have shared the dressing room for many years, both in the first team and in the youth team, and now it is time for us to part ways, but I am sure that in the future we will meet again,” Vazquez optimistically added.
“He is one of those friends that is difficult to find in football, he is one of those people who enter your heart,” Vazquez concluded.
Real Madrid News
Carlos Espi reacts after scoring match-winning goal in Elche 2-3 Real Madrid: ‘Starting like this is a dream’
Carlos Espi is becoming Real Madrid’s unlikely late-game specialist.
The 21-year-old once again came off the bench to rescue Jose Mourinho’s side, this time scoring the 91st-minute winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche.
It was his second goal for the club, and both have arrived at crucial moments.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, Espi could barely contain his excitement.
“I’m so happy—the happiest man in the world. I try to help the team any way I can, and every time I step onto the field, I give it my all and come away feeling great.
“Starting like this has been a dream. This isn’t over yet; we’re going to keep going because we have Sunday’s match coming up.
Carlos Espi winning goal in Elche vs Real Madrid game. Mbappe assist. pic.twitter.com/STJBV3ikQL
— Daily Foot Vibes (@dailyfootvibes) September 16, 2026
“This is a team effort. All of us who take the field make the most of our opportunities and give it our all,” he began.
Espi keeps making his minutes count
There is a growing pattern to Espi’s involvement. Even though he has yet to start a match for the first team, that has not stopped him from making an impact.
His first goal arrived against Espanyol in Real Madrid’s opening game, when another late strike helped secure the result.
Against Elche, he was required again after Real Madrid surrendered a two-goal lead and suddenly found themselves in serious trouble.
Espi eventually appeared at the back post in the 91st minute and finished the move to give Mourinho’s team all three points.
The youngster shared the credit with his teammates, but he also had special praise for the player who supplied his decisive moment.
That assist came from Kylian Mbappe, whose presence has made Espi’s route into the starting XI particularly difficult.
“It’s unbelievable—it’s crazy to watch him train and play. In this case, he set me up for the goal, and I’m very happy for him, too.”
First Madrid derby already has Espi excited
The timing of Espi’s latest contribution could hardly be more interesting, as Real Madrid now face Atletico Madrid on Sunday, giving the forward an opportunity to experience his first Madrid derby.
“I’m really looking forward to it—I’m so excited. It’s my first derby here, and we’re going to go for it.”
For Mourinho, Espi is a useful option when matches become chaotic. He may not yet be a regular starter, but his two appearances on the scoresheet have carried considerably more weight than the minutes he has played.
