Argentinian Ignacio Figueras (known as Nacho) may be one of the top polo players in the world, but he has earned a few other credentials to his name, from fashion model to philanthropist and is a close friend of the British Royals.
The 42-year-old professional polo player, who holds a 6-goal handicap and an estimated net worth of $30 million, has been modeling for Ralph Lauren since 2000, and recently became the face of the label's entire Polo fragrance line.
But modeling was never the goal for the athlete, who began his career just to earn some extra cash and bring more attention to his beloved sport. It all took off when he was approached by photographer Bruce Weber at a party in The Hamptons hosted by Calvin Klein's ex-wife Kelly, who encouraged him to get his start in modeling.
Strike a pose: Nacho recently traveled to Rome, Italy, ahead of participating in the Sentebale polo charity match, which Prince Harry is a co-founder; pictured in November 2018
While that avenue of his career has introduced his objectively handsome face into everyday homes via glossy fashion magazines and television commercials, the game of polo has always been his true passion.
Born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he started playing the game at the ripe age of 9 years old after his father introduced him to the sport. He became a professional polo player by the time he was just 17. After a stint in Europe, he ended up at the White Birch Polo Team based in Bridgehampton, New York.
But Nacho's love for both polo and investing in charity work is what ultimately led him to his most famous relationship. He and Prince Harry share some common interests, one of them being, of course, polo. The pair have been playing alongside each other in charity matches for the past decade, ultimately moving them to becoming close friends.
Score! Nacho congratulates Prince Harry after scoring during the Sentebale Handa Polo Cup charity match in Rome; pictured May 2019
Polo for charity: Nacho Figueras and Prince Harry hold the trophy after the Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup, which helps raise funds to support children and young adults affected by HIV in Lesotho and Botswana; pictured in June 2017
Both Prince Harry and Nacho played in Sentebale's charity match earlier this year in Rome to raise funds for Sentebale, an organization co-founded by Prince Harry that supports children and young people affected by HIV in southern Africa. Nacho shared that he even met the newest member of the Royal family in London ahead of the match, Prince Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, if that is any indication of how close the two are.
Nacho has been a firm supporter and defender of Prince Harry, and even took to Instagram in May to prove his loyalty to his friend, stating: 'The world thinks they know everything about this man. I have been fortunate enough to spend enough time over the years to learn and understand the man he really is.' He goes on to describe the prince as being kind, generous, compassionate and 'constantly thinking about how to make the world a better place.'
The polo star even talked to the press at the Sentebale polo match about Harry's newest role he's undertaken: one as a father. He expressed how he always knew Harry would be a great father 'because he has a great affinity for children' and that he seems 'very, very happy.'
Not only does Nacho think Meghan and the prince are meant for each other, he is 'convinced' that the two found each other 'to change the world.'
Best pals: Nacho and Prince Harry at the 2018 Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup, with Meghan Markle and Delfina walking behind them; pictured in July 2018
Supporting Harry: Nacho Figueras and Delfina Blaquier attend the Sentebale ISPS Handa Polo Cup in Rome, a charity co-founded by the prince; pictured in May 2019
Along with forming a special friendship with Prince Harry, the game of polo also brought him to his wife Delfina Blaquier, the daughter of an Argentinian polo player. The pair first met, fittingly, at a polo match in Buenos Aires in 1997. They started dating in early 1998 and welcomed their first son in 2000, and wed in December 2005. The couple now has four children together: Hilario, 19; Aurora, 14; Artemo, 9; and Alba, 6.
Wedding bells! Nacho Figueras and Delfina Blaquier married on December 15th, 2005, and are as close as ever
Raise a glass: Nacho and Delfina recently attended the 12th Annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey; pictured in June
Selfie time: The couple glams up ahead of the Sports Legends Dinner to support the Buoniconti Fund to cure Paralysis; pictured September 2018
Delfina too grew up in Buenos Aires and was born into a polo family, her father being a professional in the sport. She went to university and graduated with a degree in landscape design before becoming a professional model and photographer.
But she is not just the wife to the most famous polo player in the world. She is an emerging fashion designer and co-founder of Àcheval Pampa, a label that was introduced at Paris Fashion Week AW18. The designs are inspired by her Argentinian heritage and achieves elevated gaucho style, an equestrian fashion of South American cowboys.
When in Rome: Delfina poses on a lavish staircase in the St. Regis Hotel showing off one of her brand's recent designs; pictured in May
Famous friends: The couple with tennis star Maria Sharapova and Alexander Gilkes at the Ralph Lauren 50 celebration in Central Park; pictured in 2018
When she isn't busy tending to her fashion label and family affairs, she spends time dedicated to We Are Figueras, a fashion and lifestyle blog she created to share her family's travels. She writes that 'what defines our world is our nomadic life following out passion: horses, polo, and trying our best in keeping our family together.' Look through the blog or on each of the couple's Instagram profiles and you will discover all the glamorous, beautiful places the family jets off to, sometimes even via private jet.
Up, up and away! The family often opts for private jets for their travels; pictured in July flying from Santa Barbara, California, to Aspen, Colorado
Ski Trip: The family of six pose for a photo atop a ski lift during one of their vacations in Aspen; pictured in December 2018
While Nacho is certainly a family man, that doesn't stop him from investing his time in another passion he has: his horses. The family owns a 30-acre ranch outside of Buenos Aires, which includes a stable home to over 40 world-class polo horses. The stables were recently redesigned by Argentinian architect Juan Ignacio Ramos, who completed the 38,750-square-foot building built into a hill, complete with a grass-covered roof where the horses can graze. The family’s personal home is just a five-minute walk from the stables.
Happy Easter: The Figueras' posed for a family photo during Easter weekend at the family stables; pictured April 2019
It runs in the family: the Figueras family, missing eldest Hilario, ride horses at their stable outside of Buenos Aires, Argentina; pictured February 2018
Unlikely friends: Nacho hung out with Chris Martin, lead singer of Coldplay, at his stables in Argentina following the last day of his 115-show tour
RELATED ARTICLES
Disney heiress makes undercover visit to Disneyland and... 
YouTube star Gigi Gorgeous and billionaire heiress Nats...
Share this article
ShareDespite the couple being busy with polo matches, horse breeding, modeling and running their own business, they still find time to attend some of the grandest events. Given the close friendship between Nacho and the prince, it was no surprise then that they were among the few attending perhaps one of the most exclusive events of the decade: the Royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
The couple may have been overshadowed at the event by stars such as singer Ellie Goulding, David and Victoria Beckham, Elton John and Oprah Winfrey, but their attendance confirms how much their friendship is valued by the royal couple.
A royal affair: the couple posed at St. George Chapel to celebrate the wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle, their close friends; pictured May 2018
Friends in high places: The couple attended the Windsor Cup in Florida to benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation; pictured in February 2018 with Salvatore and Tini Ferragamo and businessman Galen Weston, owner of the UK luxury retailer Selfridges
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7pa3IpbCmmZmhe6S7ja6iaJ6Voq6quI6aqa2hk6GyboORcWlub2Vklq%2B%2FyJ2cZp6Rl8Ktu9SsZKWhlpp6j63CoaZmfpmcwqa%2BwKxkpqeUmrluw8ifnGaeop6yr7DSZoeroZ6Ysm6UwKupsmaYqbqt