View source for Fernando Hierro

{{Short description|Spanish football player and manager (born 1968)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{family name hatnote|Ruiz|Hierro|lang=Spanish}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Fernando Hierro
| image = Fernando Hierro in Spain-Iran press conference 2018-06-19.jpg
| caption = Hierro in 2018
| full_name = Fernando Ruiz Hierro<ref name=WF>{{WorldFootball.net|hierro_3}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1968|3|23|df=y}}<ref name=Bio>{{cite web|url=https://www.dfb.de/datencenter/personen/fernando-hierro/spieler|title=Fernando Hierro|publisher=[[German Football Association]]|language=de|access-date=28 May 2019}}</ref>
| birth_place = [[Vélez-Málaga]], Spain
| height = 1.87 m<ref name=Bio/>
| position = [[Defender (association football)|Defender]], [[defensive midfielder]]
| currentclub =
| youthyears1 = 1973–1978 | youthclubs1 = [[Vélez CF|Vélez]]
| youthyears2 = 1979 | youthclubs2 = [[CD Málaga|Málaga]]
| youthyears3 = 1980–1986 | youthclubs3 = [[Vélez CF|Vélez]]
| years1 = 1986–1987 | clubs1 = [[Real Valladolid Promesas|Valladolid B]] | caps1 = | goals1 = 
| years2 = 1987–1989 | clubs2 = [[Real Valladolid|Valladolid]] | caps2 = 58 | goals2 = 3
| years3 = 1989–2003 | clubs3 = [[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]] | caps3 = 439 | goals3 = 102
| years4 = 2003–2004 | clubs4 = [[Al-Rayyan SC|Al-Rayyan]] | caps4 = 19 | goals4 = 3
| years5 = 2004–2005 | clubs5 = [[Bolton Wanderers F.C.|Bolton Wanderers]] | caps5 = 29 | goals5 = 1
| totalcaps = 545 | totalgoals = 109
| nationalyears1 = 1989–1990 | nationalteam1 = [[Spain national under-21 football team|Spain U21]] | nationalcaps1 = 5 | nationalgoals1 = 2
| nationalyears2 = 1989–2002 | nationalteam2 = [[Spain national football team|Spain]] | nationalcaps2 = 89 | nationalgoals2 = 29
| manageryears1 = 2014–2015 | managerclubs1 = [[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]] (assistant)
| manageryears2 = 2016–2017 | managerclubs2 = [[Real Oviedo|Oviedo]]
| manageryears3 = 2018 | managerclubs3 = [[Spain national football team|Spain]]
}}
'''Fernando Ruiz Hierro''' ({{IPA|es|feɾˈnando ˈʝero}}; born 23 March 1968) is a Spanish [[Association football|football]] executive and former player who played as a [[centre-back]], [[sweeper (association football)|sweeper]] or [[defensive midfielder]].

He won five [[La Liga]] and three [[UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] trophies with [[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]] in 14 years after signing from [[Real Valladolid|Valladolid]], during which he appeared in 601 official matches.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/20120123/54245275481/real-madrid-casillas-hierro-gento.html|title=Casillas, a un paso de Hierro y Gento|trans-title=Casillas, closing in on Hierro and Gento|newspaper=[[La Vanguardia]]|language=es|date=23 January 2012|access-date=30 June 2022}}</ref> He also competed professionally in Qatar and England.

Hierro represented [[Spain national football team|Spain]] on 89 occasions, appearing in four [[FIFA World Cup|World Cups]] and two [[UEFA European Championship|European Championships]]. He started working as a manager in 2016 with [[Real Oviedo|Oviedo]], being appointed at the helm of the national team two years later.

==Club career==
===Early years and Real Madrid===
Hierro was born in [[Vélez-Málaga]], [[Province of Málaga]]. After beginning his football career at local club [[Vélez CF|Vélez]], he had a very brief youth spell with neighbouring [[CD Málaga]], where he was told he was not good enough for the sport, which prompted a return home.<ref name=RMF>{{cite web|url=http://www.realmadridfans.org/hierro.htm|title=Fernando Hierro|publisher=Real Madrid Fans|language=es|year=2012|access-date=27 April 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130415190623/http://www.realmadridfans.org/hierro.htm|archive-date=15 April 2013}}</ref> He eventually made his [[La Liga]] debut with [[Real Valladolid]], being bought by [[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]] in the summer of 1989 after two solid seasons; youth graduate [[José Luis Caminero]] moved in the opposite direction as part of the deal.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.marca.com/futbol/real-madrid/2020/07/04/5eff185946163f10af8b4596.html|title=Cantera y Real Madrid: El equipazo que se fue de casa|trans-title=Youth system and Real Madrid: The wonder team that left home|newspaper=[[Marca (newspaper)|Marca]]|last=Hurtado|first=José Luis|language=es|date=4 July 2020|access-date=16 February 2025}}</ref>

At Real, Hierro scored seven goals in 37 games in his [[1989–90 La Liga|first season]], and eventually had his position on the field advanced by coach [[Radomir Antić]], continuing his good performances with the addition of goals – he totalled an astonishing 44 league goals in three seasons, 21 alone in [[1991–92 La Liga|1991–92]], a career-best.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://hemeroteca-paginas.mundodeportivo.com/EMD01/HEM/1992/03/09/MD19920309-055.pdf|title=Un gol para un doble liderato|trans-title=One goal for a double first place|newspaper=[[Mundo Deportivo]]|language=es|date=9 March 1992|access-date=20 May 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nacion.com/puro-deporte/hierro-recibio-el-carino-y-reconocimiento-de-todo-el-madridismo/Z5FUQ5YNYJDDZJTSQKAA4VVFI4/story/|title=Hierro recibió el cariño y reconocimiento de todo el madridismo|trans-title=Hierro received the love and acknowledgement of the entire ''madridismo''|newspaper=La Nación|language=es|date=21 May 2005|access-date=18 May 2018}}</ref> For years, he often partnered [[Manolo Sanchís]] in the centre of defence, being instrumental in the conquest of five leagues and three [[UEFA Champions League]] trophies<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0155-0e6a20959a54-7745f9013b98-1000--1997-98-seventh-heaven-for-madrid/|title=1997/98: Seventh heaven for Madrid|publisher=UEFA|date=20 May 1998|access-date=16 December 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/01ff-0e7e669a87d0-6b476738d04f-1000--1999-2000-real-madrid-cf-3-0-valencia-cf-report/|title=1999/2000 Real Madrid CF 3–0 Valencia CF: Report|publisher=UEFA|date=14 July 2012|access-date=16 December 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0185-0e6a414977dc-840dff896fae-1000--madrid-win-ninth-european-crown/|title=Madrid win ninth European crown|publisher=UEFA|date=15 May 2002|access-date=16 December 2023}}</ref> and being named [[Captain (association football)|captain]] after the latter's retirement.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.elconfidencial.com/deportes/futbol/2022-06-15/real-madrid-marcelo-capitan-despedida-raul-florentino-ramos-casillas-hierro-sanchis_3441826/|title=Marcelo, por fin un capitán del Real Madrid se va sin que Florentino le considere una estafa|trans-title=Marcelo, finally a Real Madrid captain leaves without Florentino thinking of him as a fraud|newspaper=[[El Confidencial]]|last=Marín|first=Kike|language=es|date=15 June 2022|access-date=16 December 2023}}</ref>

On 24 March 2002, Hierro scored a [[hat-trick]] in a 3–1 home win against [[Real Zaragoza]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=20205.html|title=Spain round-up: Hierro hits hat-trick in Madrid victory|publisher=UEFA|date=24 March 2002|access-date=26 May 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110602080017/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=20205.html|archive-date=2 June 2011}}</ref> although the [[2001–02 La Liga|ultimate champions]] would be [[Valencia CF|Valencia]]. He was released at the end of the [[2002–03 La Liga|2002–03 season]] alongside manager [[Vicente del Bosque]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0252-0cdbd82bba6d-2cfe5b5ce040-1000--axe-falls-on-del-bosque-and-hierro/|title=Axe falls on Del Bosque and Hierro|publisher=UEFA|date=24 June 2003|access-date=26 May 2010}}</ref> under rather unceremonious circumstances; having appeared in 497 top-division matches over the course of 16 seasons (105 goals), he then chose a lucrative move to the wealthy but developing [[Middle East]] football industry, joining [[Qatar]]'s [[Al-Rayyan SC|Al-Rayyan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/0194-0f84500776ff-c4b94acb7e9c-1000--hierro-embraces-qatar-challenge/|title=Hierro embraces Qatar challenge|publisher=UEFA|date=27 August 2003|access-date=16 December 2023}}</ref>

===Bolton Wanderers===
After just one year, Hierro returned to Europe to sign with [[Premier League]] side [[Bolton Wanderers F.C.|Bolton Wanderers]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/news/0257-0de6721495ac-213c4fc1adc1-1000--bolton-ready-for-hierro-worship/|title=Bolton ready for Hierro worship|publisher=UEFA|last=Eeles|first=Alex|date=12 August 2004|access-date=16 December 2023}}</ref> on the advice of his English teammate at Real Madrid [[Steve McManaman]], and teaming up with another former player of that club, [[Iván Campo]]. He scored once during his tenure, which came in a 3–2 loss at [[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]] in December 2004<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4072043.stm|title=Norwich 3–2 Bolton|publisher=[[BBC Sport]]|date=11 December 2004|access-date=1 September 2009}}</ref> and, even though hard-pressed by fans and manager [[Sam Allardyce]] to stay for a further campaign,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/news/newsid=775846.html|title=Hierro wise to the benefits of English approach|publisher=UEFA|last=Hunter|first=Graham|date=18 November 2008|access-date=15 June 2018}}{{dead link|date=March 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> he announced his retirement from professional football on 10 May 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/news/0252-0cddb9b6afc0-ce27cb194148-1000--hero-hierro-calls-it-a-day/|title=Hero Hierro calls it a day|publisher=UEFA|last=Hall|first=Andy|date=10 May 2005|access-date=16 December 2023}}</ref>

==International career==
Hierro was [[Cap (sport)|capped]] 89 times for [[Spain national football team|Spain]] and scored 29 goals, being only surpassed by [[Raúl (footballer)|Raúl]] (who also took over his captain armband in June 2002 when he retired), [[Álvaro Morata]], [[David Silva]], [[Fernando Torres]] and [[David Villa]]. He made his debut on 20 September 1989 – freshly signed by Madrid – in a 1–0 [[Exhibition game|friendly]] victory over [[Poland national football team|Poland]] in [[A Coruña]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://hemeroteca.abc.es/nav/Navigate.exe/hemeroteca/madrid/abc/1989/09/21/081.html|title=1–0: El pie de Míchel marcó ante Polonia el camino que España buscará en Hungria|trans-title=1–0: Míchel's foot set track in Poland that Spain will seek in Hungary|newspaper=[[ABC (newspaper)|ABC]]|page=81|language=es|date=21 September 1989|access-date=13 July 2016}}</ref> and appeared for the nation in the [[1990 FIFA World Cup|1990]] (although only as a squad member), [[1994 FIFA World Cup|1994]], [[1998 FIFA World Cup|1998]] and [[2002 FIFA World Cup|2002]] [[FIFA World Cup]]s, as well as [[UEFA Euro 1996]] (where he missed a penalty as Spain crashed out to hosts [[England national football team|England]] in a [[Penalty shoot-out (association football)|shootout]]) and [[UEFA Euro 2000|2000]].<ref name=RSSSF>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/hierro-intlg.html|title=Fernando Ruiz Hierro – Goals in International Matches|publisher=[[RSSSF]]|last=Pierrend|first=Jose Luís|date=15 February 2003|access-date=12 September 2006}}</ref>

One of Hierro's most important goals came during the [[1994 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)|1994 World Cup qualification]], as he headed the winner against [[Denmark national football team|Denmark]] that allowed ten-men Spain to qualify for the final tournament in the United States.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.lavozdegalicia.es/noticia/gradario/hemeroteca/2015/11/16/santiago-canizares-debutaba-seleccion-siendo-celtico/00031447706329009178366.htm|title=Cañizares debutaba en la selección siendo céltico|trans-title=Cañizares made national team debut as a ''céltico''|newspaper=[[La Voz de Galicia]]|last=Fernández|first=Alberto|language=es|date=17 November 2015|access-date=28 June 2016}}</ref> In the finals, he scored after an individual effort against [[Switzerland national football team|Switzerland]] in the [[Single-elimination tournament|round of 16]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://global.espn.com/football/story/1023075/espnsoccernet-la-liga-quiniela-week-21-il-grande-spagna?src=com|title=Week 21 – Il grande stratega|publisher=[[ESPN FC|ESPN Soccernet]]|last=Álvarez|first=Eduardo|date=10 February 2012|access-date=14 June 2018}}{{Dead link|date=August 2025|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> before his team was eliminated by [[Italy national football team|Italy]] in the quarter-finals following a 2–1 loss.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archiviostorico.corriere.it/1994/luglio/10/resurrezione_dell_Arrigo_co_0_9407103435.shtml|title=La resurrezione dell'Arrigo|trans-title=The resurrection of the Arrigo|newspaper=[[Corriere della Sera]]|language=it|date=10 July 1994|access-date=7 January 2015}}</ref>

==Coaching and executive career==
Although he had already been in charge for a few weeks, Hierro was officially presented as [[sporting director]] of the [[Royal Spanish Football Federation]] in late September 2007.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.elmundo.es/elmundodeporte/2007/09/24/futbol/1190642518.html|title=Hierro será presentado el jueves como director deportivo de la Federación|trans-title=Hierro to be presented Thursday as sporting director of the Federation|newspaper=[[El Mundo (Spain)|El Mundo]]|language=es|date=24 September 2007|access-date=27 April 2009}}</ref> He remained four years in the position.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/european-qualifiers/news/01ec-0e76c1ebeafb-495466447698-1000--triumphant-spain-share-lesson-in-humility/|title=Triumphant Spain share lesson in humility|publisher=UEFA|last=Roxburgh|first=Andy|author-link=Andy Roxburgh|date=31 December 2010|access-date=14 June 2018}}</ref>

Hierro returned to his native region in July 2011, being appointed [[Málaga CF]]'s [[director of football]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.ideal.es/granada/20110707/deportes/mas-futbol/malaga-fernando-hierro-ultima-estrella-jeque-201107071316.html|title=Málaga CF: Fernando Hierro, la última estrella del jeque|trans-title=Málaga CF: Fernando Hierro, the sheikh's latest star|newspaper=[[Ideal (newspaper)|Ideal]]|last=Badía|first=Ana M.|language=es|date=7 July 2011|access-date=22 March 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/es/news/27/liga-de-espa%C3%B1a/2011/11/24/2772315/m%C3%A1laga-hierro-anuncia-que-no-es-prioridad-fichar-en-enero|title=Málaga: Hierro anuncia que no es prioridad fichar en enero|trans-title=Málaga: Hierro announces there are no urgencies to sign in January|publisher=[[Goal (website)|Goal]]|language=es|date=24 November 2011|access-date=22 March 2012}}</ref> On 28 May 2012, even though the club [[2011–12 La Liga|finished fourth]] and [[2012–13 UEFA Champions League|qualified for the Champions League]] for the first time ever, he left his position.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1640871.html|title=Hierro quits as Malaga general manager|publisher=FIFA|date=28 May 2012|access-date=30 July 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601143358/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1640871.html|archive-date=1 June 2012}}</ref>

[[File:ESP-RUS (21).jpg|thumb|Hierro at the [[2018 FIFA World Cup|2018 World Cup]]]]
On 10 July 2014, Hierro was named assistant coach of Real Madrid, replacing [[Zinedine Zidane]] – who left to take the reins of [[Real Madrid Castilla]] – in [[Carlo Ancelotti]]'s staff.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://futbol.as.com/futbol/2014/07/10/portada/1405015257_544900.html|title=Fernando Hierro será el nuevo ayudante de Carlo Ancelotti|trans-title=Fernando Hierro will be Carlo Ancelotti's new assistant|newspaper=[[Diario AS]]|last=Colino|first=Carmen|language=es|date=10 July 2014|access-date=18 May 2015}}</ref> He was given his first full managerial role two years later, being appointed at [[Segunda División]] side [[Real Oviedo]] for the [[2016–17 Segunda División|upcoming season]] with the option of a further year;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11827/10307486/fernando-hierro-named-new-boss-of-spanish-side-real-oviedo|title=Fernando Hierro named new boss of Spanish side Real Oviedo|publisher=[[Sky Sports]]|last=Kabelu|first=Beya|date=8 June 2016|access-date=8 June 2016}}</ref> on 14 June 2017, after missing out on the [[2017 Segunda División play-offs|promotion playoffs]] on the final matchday, he left the [[Estadio Carlos Tartiere]] by mutual consent.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.football-espana.net/64569/hierro-departs-real-oviedo|title=Hierro departs Real Oviedo|publisher=Football España|last=Millar|first=Colin|date=14 June 2017|access-date=14 June 2017}}</ref>

Hierro returned to the Spanish Federation as sporting director on 27 November 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/football/spain/story/3281721/fernando-hierro-reappointed-spanish-football-association-sporting-director|title=Fernando Hierro reappointed Spanish Football Association sporting director|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=27 November 2017|access-date=13 June 2018}}</ref> He was appointed as the manager of Spain on 13 June 2018<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sefutbol.com/en/official-fernando-hierro-assume-role-head-coach-russia-world-cup|title=OFFICIAL {{!}} Fernando Hierro to assume role as head coach for the Russia World Cup|publisher=[[Royal Spanish Football Federation]]|last=Rubio|first=Carmelo|date=13 June 2018|access-date=14 June 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615023600/http://www.sefutbol.com/en/official-fernando-hierro-assume-role-head-coach-russia-world-cup|archive-date=15 June 2018}}</ref> after the sacking of [[Julen Lopetegui]] two days before their first match at the [[2018 FIFA World Cup|World Cup]], following the latter's decision to join Real Madrid after the tournament.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/13/julen-lopetegui-sacked-spain-manager-real-madrid-job|title=Julen Lopetegui sacked as Spain manager after accepting Real Madrid job|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|last=Lowe|first=Sid|author-link=Sid Lowe|date=13 June 2018|access-date=13 June 2018}}</ref> Two days later, he led the team to a 3–3 [[2018 FIFA World Cup Group B|group stage]] draw against [[Portugal national football team|Portugal]];<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-cup/2018/06/15/portugal-vs-spain-world-cup-2018-live-score-latest-updates/|title=Cristiano Ronaldo scores sensational hat-trick as Portugal hold Spain in instant World Cup classic|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|date=15 June 2018|access-date=15 June 2018}}</ref> on 8 July, following a penalty shootout loss to hosts [[Russia national football team|Russia]] in the [[2018 FIFA World Cup knockout stage#Spain vs Russia|round of 16]], he stepped down from his post and also announced that he would not return to his role as sporting director.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sefutbol.com/en/official-fernando-hierro-steps-down-spain-sporting-director|title=OFFICIAL {{!}} Fernando Hierro steps down as Spain sporting director|publisher=Royal Spanish Football Federation|date=8 July 2018|access-date=8 July 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708162638/http://www.sefutbol.com/en/official-fernando-hierro-steps-down-spain-sporting-director|archive-date=8 July 2018}}</ref>

On 21 October 2022, Hierro was announced as sporting director of [[C.D. Guadalajara|Guadalajara]] in the Mexican [[Liga MX]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tudn.com/futbol/liga-mx/fernando-hierro-presentacion-director-deportivo-chivas-clausura-2023|title=Fernando Hierro es presentado con Chivas: "Es un gigante que tiene que volver a ilusionar"|trans-title=Fernando Hierro is presented at Chivas: "They are a giant that have to make people dream again"|publisher=[[TUDN (United States TV channel)|TUDN]]|last=R. Yu|first=Kevin|language=es|date=21 October 2022|access-date=26 October 2022}}</ref> In June 2024, he joined [[Saudi Pro League]]'s [[Al-Nassr FC|Al-Nassr]] in the same capacity.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/fernando-hierro-joins-ronaldos-al-nassr-sporting-director-2024-06-04/|title=Fernando Hierro joins Ronaldo's Al-Nassr as sporting director|publisher=[[Reuters]]|date=4 June 2024|access-date=4 June 2024}}</ref>

==Style of play==
Equally at ease as a [[central defender]], [[Defender (association football)#Sweeper (libero)|sweeper]] or [[defensive midfielder]], Hierro had the ability, at his peak, to combine solid defensive play with a near-unlimited passing range and surprising goalscoring talent,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iffhs.de/?b4a390f03be4ac07cda14b45fdcdc3bfcdc0aec70aef05|title=World Record of the national championships (1888/89 – 2007)|publisher=[[International Federation of Football History & Statistics]]|access-date=18 December 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071017060701/http://iffhs.de/?b4a390f03be4ac07cda14b45fdcdc3bfcdc0aec70aef05|archive-date=17 October 2007}}</ref> which made him one of the world's most sought-after players.<ref name=RMF/> A large, physically imposing and intimidating defensive presence, he was also known for his positional sense, strength in the air, tenacity and the ability to time his challenges well.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/apr/06/sport.championsleague|title=Last action Hierro|newspaper=The Guardian|date=6 April 2003|access-date=15 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1795294-ranking-the-20-most-intimidating-defenders-in-la-liga-history#slide10|title=Ranking the 20 Most Intimidating Defenders in La Liga History|publisher=[[Bleacher Report]]|last=Marsden|first=Samuel|date=2 October 2013|access-date=15 June 2018}}</ref>

Regarded as a highly competitive and hard-tackling defender, ''[[The Times]]'' placed Hierro at number 43 in their list of the 50 hardest footballers in history in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.empireonline.com/forum/printable.asp?m=1554851|title=Top 50 hardest footballers|publisher=[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]|date=13 August 2007|access-date=23 April 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019002225/http://www.empireonline.com/forum/printable.asp?m=1554851|archive-date=19 October 2015}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Hierro's older brothers, [[Antonio Hierro|Antonio]] and [[Manolo Hierro|Manuel]], were also professional footballers and defenders. The latter paired up with Fernando at Valladolid, as the club finished eighth in [[1987–88 La Liga|1987–88]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.laopiniondemalaga.es/todo-deporte/2013/09/17/fallece-padre-fernando-manolo-hierro/617222.html|title=Fallece el padre de Fernando y Manolo Hierro|trans-title=Father of Fernando and Manolo Hierro dies|newspaper=La Opinión de Málaga|last=Extremera|first=Fran|language=es|date=17 September 2013|access-date=17 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://historias-del-realmadrid.blogspot.pt/2012/11/hierr.html|title=La saga de los Hierro|trans-title=The Hierro saga|publisher=Historias del Real Madrid|language=es|date=26 November 2012|access-date=14 July 2015}}</ref>

In 2021, Hierro began dating Croatian television journalist [[Fani Stipković]], having divorced his wife of 28 years Sonia Ruiz.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.marca.com/buzz/2023/06/07/647ffd1246163f745d8b45d5.html|title=Fernando Hierro (55) y Fani Stipkovic (40) anuncian que van a ser padres: las reacciones del mundo del fútbol|trans-title=Fernando Hierro (55) and Fani Stipkovic (40) announce they are becoming parents: football world reacts|newspaper=Marca|last=Corbella|first=Enrique|language=es|date=7 June 2023|access-date=16 December 2023}}</ref> They married in September 2023 in Mexico<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gloria.hr/gl/scena/price/vjencanje-fani-stipkovic-i-fernanda-hierra-donosimo-detalje-intimne-ceremonije-u-meksiku-15378639|title=Vjenčanje Fani Stipković i Fernanda Hierra: Donosimo detalje intimne ceremonije u Meksiku|trans-title=Fani Stipković and Fernando Hierro's wedding: We bring you all the details of the private ceremony in Mexico|publisher=[[Gloria (magazine)|Gloria]]|last=Leljak|first=Damir|language=hr|date=27 September 2023|access-date=27 September 2023}}</ref> and, the following month, welcomed their first child, Nicolás Valentín.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://as.com/tikitakas/el-curioso-nombre-de-fernando-hierro-y-fani-stipkovic-para-su-primer-hijo-juntos-n/|title=El curioso nombre de Fernando Hierro y Fani Stipkovic para su primer hijo juntos|trans-title=Fernando Hierro and Fani Stipkovic's funny name for their first son together|newspaper=Diario AS|last=Córdoba|first=Adrián|language=es|date=31 October 2023|access-date=16 December 2023}}</ref>

==Career statistics==
===Club===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition<ref>{{BDFutbol|769}}</ref><ref name=WF/>
|-
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="3"|League
!colspan="2"|National cup
!colspan="2"|League cup
!colspan="2"|Continental
!colspan="2"|Other
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
!Division
!Apps
!Goals
!Apps
!Goals
!Apps
!Goals
!Apps
!Goals
!Apps
!Goals
!Apps
!Goals
|-
|-
|rowspan="3"|[[Real Valladolid|Valladolid]]
|[[1987–88 La Liga|1987–88]]
|[[La Liga]]
|29||1||2||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||31||1
|-
|[[1988–89 La Liga|1988–89]]
|La Liga
|29||2||6||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||35||2
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!58!!3!!8!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!66!!3
|-
|rowspan="15"|[[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]]
|[[1989–90 Real Madrid CF season|1989–90]]
|La Liga
|37||7||5||0||colspan="2"|—||4{{efn|Appearances in [[European Cup]]|name=EC}}||0||colspan="2"|—||46||7
|-
|[[1990–91 Real Madrid CF season|1990–91]]
|La Liga
|35||7||1||0||colspan="2"|—||5{{efn|name=EC}}||1||2{{efn|name=SDE|Appearances in [[Supercopa de España]]}}||0||43||8
|-
|[[1991–92 Real Madrid CF season|1991–92]]
|La Liga
|37||21||7||3||colspan="2"|—||9{{efn|Appearances in [[UEFA Cup]]|name=UC}}||2||colspan="2"|—||53||26
|-
|[[1992–93 Real Madrid CF season|1992–93]]
|La Liga
|33||13||6||0||colspan="2"|—||6{{efn|name=UC}}||5||colspan="2"|—||45||18
|-
|[[1993–94 Real Madrid CF season|1993–94]]
|La Liga
|34||10||3||0||colspan="2"|—||4{{efn|Appearances in [[UEFA Cup Winners' Cup|European Cup Winners' Cup]]|name=CWC}}||1||3{{efn|One appearance and one goal in [[Copa Iberoamericana]], two appearances in [[Supercopa de España]]}}||1||44||12
|-
|[[1994–95 Real Madrid CF season|1994–95]]
|La Liga
|33||7||2||0||colspan="2"|—||5{{efn|name=UC}}||0||colspan="2"|—||40||7
|-
|[[1995–96 Real Madrid CF season|1995–96]]
|La Liga
|31||7||2||0||colspan="2"|—||5{{efn|Appearances in [[UEFA Champions League]]|name=UCL}}||1||2{{efn|name=SDE}}||1||40||9
|-
|[[1996–97 Real Madrid CF season|1996–97]]
|La Liga
|39||6||6||2||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||45||8
|-
|[[1997–98 Real Madrid CF season|1997–98]]
|La Liga
|28||3||1||0||colspan="2"|—||10{{efn|name=UCL}}||3||1{{efn|name=SDE}}||0||40||6
|-
|[[1998–99 Real Madrid CF season|1998–99]]
|La Liga
|28||6||3||1||colspan="2"|—||7{{efn|name=UCL}}||1||2{{efn|One appearance in [[UEFA Super Cup]], one appearance in [[Intercontinental Cup (1960–2004)|Intercontinental Cup]]|name=USCIC}}||0||40||8
|-
|[[1999–2000 Real Madrid CF season|1999–2000]]
|La Liga
|20||5||2||0||colspan="2"|—||10{{efn|name=UCL}}||1||4{{efn|Appearances in [[FIFA Club World Championship]]}}||1||36||7
|-
|[[2000–01 Real Madrid CF season|2000–01]]
|La Liga
|29||5||1||0||colspan="2"|—||12{{efn|name=UCL}}||1||1{{efn|Appearances in [[Intercontinental Cup (1960–2004)|Intercontinental Cup]]}}||0||43||6
|-
|[[2001–02 Real Madrid CF season|2001–02]]
|La Liga
|30||5||3||0||colspan="2"|—||14{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||2{{efn|name=SDE}}||0||49||5
|-
|[[2002–03 Real Madrid CF season|2002–03]]
|La Liga
|25||0||1||1||colspan="2"|—||10{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||2{{efn|name=USCIC}}||0||38||1
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!439!!102!!43!!7!!colspan="2"|—!!101!!16!!19!!3!!602!!128
|-
|[[Al-Rayyan SC|Al-Rayyan]]||[[2003–04 Qatar Stars League|2003–04]]||[[Qatar Stars League]]||19||3||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||19||3
|-
|[[Bolton Wanderers F.C.|Bolton Wanderers]]||[[2004–05 Bolton Wanderers F.C. season|2004–05]]||[[Premier League]]||29||1||4||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||35||1
|-
!colspan="3"|Career total
!545!!109!!55!!7!!2!!0!!101!!16!!19!!3!!722!!135
|}
{{notelist}}

===International===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year<ref name=RSSSF/>
|-
!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="14"|[[Spain national football team|Spain]]
|1989||2||0
|-
|1990||1||1
|-
|1991||4||0
|-
|1992||6||3
|-
|1993||6||2
|-
|1994||13||2
|-
|1995||7||3
|-
|1996||9||2
|-
|1997||6||2
|-
|1998||7||3
|-
|1999||6||5
|-
|2000||9||2
|-
|2001||7||2
|-
|2002||6||2
|-
!colspan="2"|Total!!89!!29
|}

:''Scores and results list Spain's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Hierro goal.''<ref name=RSSSF/>
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Fernando Hierro
|-
!scope="col"|No.
!scope="col"|Date
!scope="col"|Venue
!scope="col"|Opponent
!scope="col"|Score
!scope="col"|Result
!scope="col"|Competition
|-
| align="center"|1 || 19 December 1990 || [[Estadio Benito Villamarín|Benito Villamarín]], [[Seville]], Spain || {{fb|ALB|1946}} || align="center"|4–0 || align="center"|9–0 || [[UEFA Euro 1992 qualifying|Euro 1992 qualifying]]
|-
| align="center"|2 || 19 February 1992 || [[Mestalla Stadium|Luís Casanova]], [[Valencia]], Spain || {{fb|CIS|1992}} || align="center"|1–1 || align="center"|1–1 || [[Exhibition game|Friendly]]
|-
| align="center"|3 || 11 March 1992 || [[Estadio Nuevo José Zorrilla|Nuevo José Zorrilla]], [[Valladolid]], Spain || {{fb|USA}} || align="center"|2–0 || align="center"|2–0 || Friendly
|-
| align="center"|4 || 22 April 1992 || Benito Villamarín, Seville, Spain || {{fb|ALB}} || align="center"|3–0 || align="center"|3–0 || [[1994 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)|1994 World Cup qualification]]
|-
| align="center"|5 || 28 April 1993 || [[Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium|Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán]], Seville, Spain || {{fb|NIR}} || align="center"|3–1 || align="center"|3–1 || 1994 World Cup qualification
|-
| align="center"|6 || 17 November 1993 || Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Seville, Spain || {{fb|DEN}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|1–0 || 1994 World Cup qualification
|-
| align="center"|7 || 2 July 1994 || [[Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium|RFK Memorial Stadium]], [[Washington, D.C.|Washington]], United States || {{fb|SUI}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|3–0 || [[1994 FIFA World Cup]]
|-
| align="center"|8 || 17 December 1994 || [[Constant Vanden Stock Stadium|Constant Vanden Stock]], [[Brussels]], Belgium || {{fb|BEL}} || align="center"|1–1 || align="center"|4–1 || [[UEFA Euro 1996 qualifying|Euro 1996 qualifying]]
|-
| align="center"|9 || 7 June 1995 || Benito Villamarín, Seville, Spain || {{fb|ARM}} || align="center"|1–0 {{pen.}}|| align="center"|1–0 || Euro 1996 qualifying
|-
| align="center"|10 || 6 September 1995 || [[Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes|Nuevo Los Cármenes]], [[Granada]], Spain || {{fb|CYP|1960}} || align="center"|5–0 || align="center"|6–0 || Euro 1996 qualifying
|-
| align="center"|11 || 11 October 1995 || [[Parken Stadium]], [[Copenhagen]], Denmark || {{fb|DEN}} || align="center"|1–0 {{pen.}}|| align="center"|1–1 || Euro 1996 qualifying
|-
| align="center"|12 || 4 September 1996 || [[Svangaskarð]], [[Toftir]], Faroe Islands || {{fb|FRO}} || align="center"|5–1 || align="center"|6–2 || [[1998 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)|1998 World Cup qualification]]
|-
| align="center"|13 || 13 November 1996 || [[Estadio Heliodoro Rodríguez López|Heliodoro Rodríguez López]], [[Santa Cruz de Tenerife]], Spain || {{fb|SVK}} || align="center"|4–1 || align="center"|4–1 || 1998 World Cup qualification
|-
| align="center"|14 || 30 April 1997 || [[Stadion Crvena Zvezda|Crvena Zvezda]], [[Belgrade]], Serbia || {{fb|YUG}} || align="center"|1–0 {{pen.}}|| align="center"|1–1 || 1998 World Cup qualification
|-
| align="center"|15 || 8 June 1997 || Nuevo José Zorrilla, Valladolid, Spain || {{fb|CZE}} || align="center"|1–0 {{pen.}}|| align="center"|1–0 || 1998 World Cup qualification
|-
| align="center"|16 || 13 June 1998 || [[Stade de la Beaujoire|La Beaujoire]], [[Nantes]], France || {{fb|NGA}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|2–3 || [[1998 FIFA World Cup]]
|-
| align="center"|17 || 24 June 1998 || [[Stade Félix-Bollaert|Félix-Bollaert]], [[Lens, Pas-de-Calais|Lens]], France || {{fb|BUL}} || align="center"|1–0 {{pen.}}|| align="center"|6–1 || 1998 FIFA World Cup
|-
| align="center"|18 || 14 October 1998 || [[Ramat Gan Stadium]], [[Ramat Gan]], Israel || {{fb|ISR}} || align="center"|1–1 || align="center"|2–1 || [[UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying|Euro 2000 qualifying]]
|-
| align="center"|19 || 27 March 1999 || Mestalla, Valencia, Spain || {{fb|AUT}} || align="center"|4–0 {{pen.}}|| align="center"|9–0 || Euro 2000 qualifying
|-
| align="center"|20 || 5 May 1999 || Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Seville, Spain || {{fb|CRO}} || align="center"|2–1 {{pen.}}|| align="center"|3–1 || Friendly
|-
| align="center"|21 || 5 June 1999 || [[Estadio El Madrigal|El Madrigal]], [[Villarreal]], Spain || {{fb|SMR|1862}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|9–0 || Euro 2000 qualifying
|-
| align="center"|22 || 4 September 1999 || [[Ernst-Happel-Stadion|Ernst-Happel]], [[Vienna]], Austria || {{fb|AUT}} || align="center"|2–1 || align="center"|3–1 || Euro 2000 qualifying
|-
| align="center"|23 || 8 September 1999 || [[Estadio Nuevo Vivero|Nuevo Vivero]], [[Badajoz]], Spain || {{fb|CYP|1960}} || align="center"|8–0 || align="center"|8–0
|Euro 2000 qualifying
|- || Euro 2000 qualifying
| align="center"|24 || 7 October 2000 || [[Santiago Bernabéu Stadium|Santiago Bernabéu]], [[Madrid]], Spain || {{fb|ISR}} || align="center"|2–0 || align="center"|2–0 || [[2002 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)|2002 World Cup qualification]]
|-
| align="center"|25 || 15 November 2000 || [[Estadio de La Cartuja|La Cartuja]], Seville, Spain || {{fb|NED}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|1–2 || Friendly
|-
| align="center"|26 || 24 March 2001 || [[Estadio José Rico Pérez|José Rico Pérez]], [[Alicante]], Spain || {{fb|LIE}} || align="center"|3–0 {{pen.}}|| align="center"|5–0 || 2002 World Cup qualification
|-
| align="center"|27 || 2 June 2001 || [[Estadio Carlos Tartiere|Carlos Tartiere]], [[Oviedo]], Spain || {{fb|BIH}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|4–1 || 2002 World Cup qualification
|-
| align="center"|28 || 2 June 2002 || [[Guus Hiddink Stadium|Gwangju World Cup Stadium]], [[Gwangju]], South Korea || {{fb|SVN}} || align="center"|3–1 {{pen.}}|| align="center"|3–1 || [[2002 FIFA World Cup]]
|-
| align="center"|29 || 7 June 2002 || [[Jeonju World Cup Stadium]], [[Jeonju]], South Korea || {{fb|PAR|1990}} || align="center"|3–1 {{pen.}}|| align="center"|3–1 || 2002 FIFA World Cup
|}
*Notably, during the match against Austria on 4 September 1999, Hierro scored at both ends.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/1999/septiembre/04/deportes/futbol.html|title=España vuelve a ganar a Austria y pone un pie en la fase final de la Eurocopa del 2000|trans-title=Spain defeat Austria again and are all but qualified to Euro 2000|newspaper=El Mundo|language=es|date=4 September 1999|access-date=4 September 2014}}</ref>

===Managerial statistics===
{{updated|match played 1 July 2018}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"	
|+ Managerial record by team and tenure			
|-
!rowspan=2|Team
!rowspan=2|Nat
!rowspan=2|From
!rowspan=2|To
!colspan="8"|Record	
!rowspan=2|{{abbr|Ref|Reference}}
|-	
!{{Tooltip|G|Games managed}}
!{{Tooltip|W|Games won}}
!{{Tooltip|D|Games drawn}}
!{{Tooltip|L|Games lost}}
!{{Tooltip|GF|Goals for}}
!{{Tooltip|GA|Goals against}}
!{{Tooltip|GD|Goal difference}}
!{{Tooltip|Win %|Winning percentage}}			
|-
|align=left|[[Real Oviedo|Oviedo]]
|{{Flagicon|Spain}}
|align=left|8 June 2016
|align=left|13 June 2017
{{WDL|43|17|10|16|for=50|against=51|diff=yes}}
|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/l769.html?temp=2016-17|title=Hierro: Fernando Ruiz Hierro|publisher=BDFutbol|access-date=30 October 2016}}</ref>
|-
|align=left|[[Spain national football team|Spain]]
|{{Flagicon|Spain}}
|align=left|13 June 2018
|align=left|8 July 2018
{{WDL|4|1|3|0|for=7|against=6|diff=yes}}
|
|-
!colspan=4|Total
{{WDLtot|47|18|13|16|for=57|against=57|diff=yes}}		
!—		
|}

==Honours==
'''Real Madrid'''
*[[La Liga]]: [[1989–90 La Liga|1989–90]], [[1994–95 La Liga|1994–95]], [[1996–97 La Liga|1996–97]], [[2000–01 La Liga|2000–01]], [[2002–03 La Liga|2002–03]]
*[[Copa del Rey]]: [[1992–93 Copa del Rey|1992–93]]
*[[Supercopa de España]]: [[1990 Supercopa de España|1990]], [[1993 Supercopa de España|1993]], [[1997 Supercopa de España|1997]], [[2001 Supercopa de España|2001]]
*[[UEFA Champions League]]: [[1997–98 UEFA Champions League|1997–98]], [[1999–2000 UEFA Champions League|1999–2000]], [[2001–02 UEFA Champions League|2001–02]]
*[[Intercontinental Cup (1960–2004)|Intercontinental Cup]]: [[1998 Intercontinental Cup|1998]], [[2002 Intercontinental Cup|2002]]
*[[UEFA Super Cup]]: [[2002 UEFA Super Cup|2002]]
*[[Copa Iberoamericana]]: [[Copa Iberoamericana#Match details|1994]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://conmebol.com/es/19082015-1742/las-competiciones-oficiales-de-la-conmebol|title=Las competiciones oficiales de la CONMEBOL|trans-title=The CONMEBOL official competitions|publisher=[[CONMEBOL]]|language=es|date=19 August 2015|access-date=12 March 2019}}</ref>

'''Al-Rayyan'''
*[[Emir of Qatar Cup]]: 2003–04

'''Individual'''
*[[FIFA XI]]: 1996, 1997, 1998<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/fifa-xi.html|title=FIFA XI´s Matches – Full Info|publisher=RSSSF|last=Leme de Arruda|first=Marcelo|access-date=25 October 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117033752/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/fifa-xi.html|archive-date=17 November 2015}}</ref>
*[[UEFA Club Football Awards#Best Defender|UEFA Club Defender of the Year]]: [[1997–98 UEFA Champions League|1997–98]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefasupercup/news/0250-0c50f3c50f55-b45453ac72d2-1000--uefa-club-defender-of-the-year/|title=UEFA Club Defender of the Year|publisher=UEFA|date=1 May 2011|access-date=1 February 2019}}</ref>
*[[ESM Team of the Year]]: 1996–97, 1997–98
*[[FIFA World Cup All-Star Team]]: [[2002 FIFA World Cup#Awards|2002]]

==See also==
*[[List of La Liga players]] (400+ appearances)
*[[List of Real Madrid CF records and statistics]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
*[http://www.realmadrid.com/en/about-real-madrid/history/football-legends/fernando-ruiz-hierro Real Madrid official profile]
*{{BDFutbol|769}}
*{{BDFutbol manager|769}}
*{{NFT player|10386}}
*{{FIFA player|174605}}

{{Navboxes
|title=Spain squads
| bg        = #C60B1E
| fg        = #FBEA0E
| bordercolor = #000033
|list1=
{{Spain squad 1990 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Spain squad 1994 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Spain squad UEFA Euro 1996}}
{{Spain squad 1998 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Spain squad UEFA Euro 2000}}
{{Spain squad 2002 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Spain squad 2018 FIFA World Cup}}
}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Awards
| bg = gold
| fg = navy
| list =
{{2002 FIFA World Cup Team of the Tournament}}
}}
{{Navboxes
|title=Managerial positions
|list1=
{{Real Oviedo managers}}
{{Spain national football team managers}}
}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Hierro, Fernando}}
[[Category:1968 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Vélez-Málaga]]
[[Category:20th-century Spanish sportsmen]]
[[Category:Spanish men's footballers]]
[[Category:Footballers from the Province of Málaga]]
[[Category:Men's association football central defenders]]
[[Category:Men's association football midfielders]]
[[Category:Men's association football utility players]]
[[Category:La Liga players]]
[[Category:Real Valladolid Promesas players]]
[[Category:Real Valladolid players]]
[[Category:Real Madrid CF players]]
[[Category:Premier League players]]
[[Category:Bolton Wanderers F.C. players]]
[[Category:Qatar Stars League players]]
[[Category:Al-Rayyan SC players]]
[[Category:UEFA Champions League–winning players]]
[[Category:Spain men's under-21 international footballers]]
[[Category:Spain men's international footballers]]
[[Category:1990 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:1994 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:UEFA Euro 1996 players]]
[[Category:1998 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:UEFA Euro 2000 players]]
[[Category:2002 FIFA World Cup players]]
[[Category:Spanish expatriate men's footballers]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England]]
[[Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Qatar]]
[[Category:Spanish expatriate sportspeople in England]]
[[Category:Spanish expatriate sportspeople in Qatar]]
[[Category:Spanish football managers]]
[[Category:Segunda División managers]]
[[Category:Real Oviedo managers]]
[[Category:Spain national football team managers]]
[[Category:2018 FIFA World Cup managers]]
[[Category:Málaga CF non-playing staff]]
[[Category:Real Madrid CF non-playing staff]]
[[Category:Spanish expatriate sportspeople in Mexico]]
[[Category:Spanish expatriate sportspeople in Saudi Arabia]]