Borja Iglesias: Athlete's Biography

Club Career

Villarreal

Iglesias began his senior career with Villarreal CF's C team in 2012, playing in the Tercera División. His experience here laid the groundwork for his future success.

Celta

Iglesias joined RC Celta de Vigo on July 9, 2013, initially playing for the reserves in Segunda División B. He made his La Liga debut on January 3, 2015, against Sevilla FC, as a substitute. By December 2016, he became Celta B's all-time top scorer with 53 goals and was pivotal in securing a play-off berth with 32 goals that season. Iglesias was loaned to Real Zaragoza in 2017, where he scored 22 goals, finishing as the joint-third highest scorer in Segunda División.

Espanyol

On July 9, 2018, he signed with RCD Espanyol. Iglesias made a remarkable impact by scoring in key matches and helping the team in UEFA Europa League qualifiers, evidencing his proficiency in front of goal.

Betis

Iglesias joined Real Betis on August 14, 2019, reuniting with manager Rubi. Despite a challenging first season, he contributed significantly to the team's success in the 2020–21 season, securing a Europa League spot. Notably, in the 2021–22 Copa del Rey, he scored the crucial goal in the final and was named the tournament's top scorer. His remarkable start to the 2022–23 season earned him the La Liga Player of the Month accolade for August.

Celta (Return)

In July 2024, Iglesias returned to Celta on a season-long loan, continuing his tenure in Spanish football.

National Team Career

Senior National Team

Iglesias earned his place in the Spain national team in September 2022, debuting against Switzerland. Despite being the top-scoring Spanish player in the calendar year, he was surprisingly omitted from the 2022 FIFA World Cup squad. In 2023, Iglesias made headlines with his decision to boycott the national team over controversies surrounding the Royal Spanish Football Federation.

Borja Iglesias Quintas is a noteworthy Spanish professional footballer known for his skills as a striker. Born on January 17, 1993, in Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Iglesias currently plays for La Liga club Celta, on loan from Real Betis, and has also represented the Spain national team. An established player in Spanish football, he has participated in over 175 La Liga matches and scored more than 50 goals, achieving significant success with Celta, Espanyol, and Betis, including winning the 2021–22 Copa del Rey.

Achievements

Team Achievements

• Copa del Rey: 2021–22 with Real Betis
• Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal: 2023–24 with Bayer Leverkusen

Individual Achievements

• La Liga Player of the Month: August 2022

Awards and Recognition

Iglesias's performances have consistently earned him recognition, particularly his standout performance in the Copa del Rey, where he was named the final's most valuable player.

Career Overview

Throughout his career, Borja Iglesias has made a lasting impact in Spanish football, celebrated for his goal-scoring prowess and key contributions to major victories. His dedication both on and off the pitch underscores his influence in the sport.

Off the Field

Iglesias is known for his impactful gestures, such as painting his fingernails black to support Black Lives Matter and stand against homophobia, which have gained him widespread praise and highlighted his commitment to social causes.

Personal Life

Iglesias is nicknamed 'Panda,' a moniker derived from a song by rapper Desiigner. Known for his unique personality and social awareness, he has often voiced his opinions on political and social issues, distinguishing himself as a thoughtful and engaged individual beyond the football field.