2018 after the sacking of Julen Lopetegui two days before their first match at the World Cup, following the latter's decision to join Real Madrid after the tournament. Two days later, he led the team to a 3–3 group stage draw against Portugal; on 8 July, following a penalty shootout loss to hosts Russia in the round of 16, he stepped down from his post and also announced that he would not return to his role as sporting director. In 21 October 2022, Hierro was announced as sporting director of C.D. Guadalajara in the Mexican Liga MX. Style of play Equally at ease as a central defender, 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, which made him one of the world's most sought-after players. 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. 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. Personal life Hierro's older brothers, Antonio and Manuel, were also professional footballers and defenders. The latter paired up with Fernando at Valladolid, as the club finished eighth in 1987–88. Career statistics Club International Scores and results list Spain's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Hierro goal. Notably, during the match against Austria on 4 September 1999, Hierro scored at both ends. Managerial statistics Honours Real Madrid La Liga: 1989–90, 1994–95, 1996–97, 2000–01, 2002–03 Copa del Rey: 1992–93 Supercopa de España: 1990, 1993, 1997, 2001 UEFA Champions League: 1997–98, 1999–2000, 2001–02 Intercontinental Cup: 1998, 2002 UEFA Super Cup: 2002 Copa Iberoamericana: 1994 Al-Rayyan Emir of Qatar Cup: 2003–04 Individual FIFA XI: 1996, 1997, 1998 UEFA Club Defender of the Year: 1997–98 ESM Team of the Year: 1996–97, 1997–98 FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 2002 See also List of La Liga players (400+ appearances) List of Real Madrid CF records and statistics References External links Real Madrid official profile 1968 births Living people People from Vélez-Málaga Sportspeople from the Province of Málaga Spanish footballers Footballers from Andalusia Association football defenders Association football midfielders Association football utility players La Liga players Real Valladolid Promesas players Real Valladolid players Real Madrid CF players