{"id":265028,"first_name":"Borja","last_name":"Iglesias Quintas","short_name":"Borja Iglesias","common_name":"Borja Iglesias","place_of_birth":"Santiago de Compostela","gender":"male","height":187,"weight":79,"status":"active","createdAt":"2024-11-07T08:22:42.435Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T14:20:18.350Z","locale":"en","age":32,"stb_id":"borja-iglesias","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"Borja Iglesias","top_position":null,"introduction":"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.","early_life_and_career":"## Early Years\nBorja Iglesias was born in Santiago de Compostela, Province of A Coruña, Galicia. He showed an early interest in football, beginning to play as a young child at his local primary school. His passion for the game was evident from a young age, leading him to join SD Compostela at the age of 10, where he nurtured his budding talent.\n\n## Youth Career\nIglesias developed his skills through various youth setups, notably at Villarreal CF, after stints with CD Roda and Valencia CF. He completed his youth career at Villarreal, paving the way for his senior debut in 2012 with their C team in Tercera División. His progression through these youth systems underscored his potential as a future professional footballer.","professional_career_and_highlights":"## Club Career\n### Villarreal\nIglesias 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.\n\n### Celta\nIglesias 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.\n\n### Espanyol\nOn 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.\n\n### Betis\nIglesias 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.\n\n### Celta (Return)\nIn July 2024, Iglesias returned to Celta on a season-long loan, continuing his tenure in Spanish football.\n\n## National Team Career\n### Senior National Team\nIglesias 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.","playing_style_and_skills":"## Player Characteristics\nBorja Iglesias is recognized as a formidable striker known for his technical skills, tactical awareness, and physical presence on the field. He excels in positioning and finishing, effectively utilizing his height and strength to outperform defenses. His ability to convert crucial goals marks him as a valuable asset to any team he plays for.\n\n## Performance Statistics\nThroughout his career, Iglesias has featured in over 175 La Liga matches, scoring upwards of 50 goals, showcasing his consistent ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.\n\n## Records\n- All-time top scorer for Celta B.\n- Topped the goal charts in Copa del Rey 2021–22, contributing significantly to Real Betis' victory.","notable_achievements":"## Achievements\n### Team Achievements\n- Copa del Rey: 2021–22 with Real Betis\n- Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal: 2023–24 with Bayer Leverkusen\n\n### Individual Achievements\n- La Liga Player of the Month: August 2022\n\n## Awards and Recognition\nIglesias'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.","impact_on_sport":"## Career Overview\nThroughout 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.\n\n## Off the Field\nIglesias 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.\n\n## Personal Life\nIglesias 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.","stb_internal_id":"019305b7-f4ca-7004-9721-3486f75c6d71","overrides":null,"type_code":"attacker","position_type_code":"attacker","detailed_position_type_code":"centre-forward","roles":"player","has_biography":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":null,"has_article_relations":false,"has_social_media_relations":false,"introduction_html":"

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.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Early Years

Borja Iglesias was born in Santiago de Compostela, Province of A Coruña, Galicia. He showed an early interest in football, beginning to play as a young child at his local primary school. His passion for the game was evident from a young age, leading him to join SD Compostela at the age of 10, where he nurtured his budding talent.

Youth Career

Iglesias developed his skills through various youth setups, notably at Villarreal CF, after stints with CD Roda and Valencia CF. He completed his youth career at Villarreal, paving the way for his senior debut in 2012 with their C team in Tercera División. His progression through these youth systems underscored his potential as a future professional footballer.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

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.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

Player Characteristics

Borja Iglesias is recognized as a formidable striker known for his technical skills, tactical awareness, and physical presence on the field. He excels in positioning and finishing, effectively utilizing his height and strength to outperform defenses. His ability to convert crucial goals marks him as a valuable asset to any team he plays for.

Performance Statistics

Throughout his career, Iglesias has featured in over 175 La Liga matches, scoring upwards of 50 goals, showcasing his consistent ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.

Records

All-time top scorer for Celta B.
Topped the goal charts in Copa del Rey 2021–22, contributing significantly to Real Betis' victory.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

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.

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

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.

\n","photo":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/Photo_of_Borja_Iglesias_93635c69c1.jpeg","mime":"image/jpeg","caption":"Photo: Shutterstock","formats":{"large_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/large_avif_Photo_of_Borja_Iglesias_93635c69c1.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"large_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/large_webp_Photo_of_Borja_Iglesias_93635c69c1.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"small_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/small_avif_Photo_of_Borja_Iglesias_93635c69c1.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"small_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/small_webp_Photo_of_Borja_Iglesias_93635c69c1.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"medium_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/medium_avif_Photo_of_Borja_Iglesias_93635c69c1.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"medium_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/108/medium_webp_Photo_of_Borja_Iglesias_93635c69c1.webp","mime":"image/webp"}}},"traits":[],"social_media":{"id":406224,"esea":null,"esl_gaming":null,"facebook":null,"faceit":null,"instagram":null,"reddit":null,"steam":null,"strava":null,"tiktok":null,"twitch":null,"twitter":null,"website":null,"youtube":null},"nationality":{"id":10850,"name":"Spain","country_code":"ESP","iso_code":"ES","createdAt":"2024-11-04T12:01:27.352Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T06:27:39.170Z","locale":"en","stb_internal_id":"0192f70d-26b5-7028-974f-d08ae0605e02","overrides":null,"icon":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/Spain_ES_8487a90b5d.svg","mime":"image/svg+xml","caption":null}},"trophies":[],"footballExtra":{"id":303252,"__component":"person-extra.person-extra-soccer","position":"Attacker","foot":"right"},"membership":{"id":1578084,"end_date":null,"start_date":"2025-08-12","role":"player","active":true,"createdAt":"2025-08-13T01:30:31.756Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-13T01:30:32.112Z","locale":"en","stb_internal_id":"0198a10c-dcc1-77ca-bea7-be423b78a9a0","overrides":null,"team":{"id":50075,"name":"RC Celta de Vigo","short_name":"Celta","tla_name":"CEL","type":"club","gender":"male","status":"active","official_name":"Real Club Celta de Vigo","founded":1923,"colors":"Sky Blue,White","nicknames":"Os Célticos,Os Celestes","createdAt":"2024-11-05T10:36:06.977Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-11T15:42:50.213Z","website":"https://rccelta.es/","address":"Calle del Conde de Gondomar, 1","address_city":"Vigo","address_zip":"36203","locale":"en","stb_id":"rc-celta-de-vigo","tier":null,"description":null,"top_position":null,"history_and_foundation":"## Key information about Celta\n\nThe club represents **Galician football**, founded in **1923** in the city of **Vigo**, located in the north-west of the country. **Celta** has always been a team that is not afraid of difficulties and even in difficult times it finds a way to remain an important part of **La Liga**.","sporting_achievements":"## Celta: the history of the club\n\nThe team went through many stages of development, repeatedly finding themselves in the lower divisions, but each time they returned to La Liga.\n\n**Vigo** is not the largest city in Spain, but it was here in **1923** that a club appeared, which is now talked about not only in Galicia. Then the local fans got tired of watching two middling teams — **Real Fortuna** and **Sporting Vigo** — trying in vain to assert themselves at the national level. As a result — a **merger**, a new **emblem with a crown** (because the king himself gave support), and a fresh name — **\"Celta\"**, in honor of the Celts, the first settlers of these lands.\n\nThe start was encouraging, but then it was a classic for most Spanish clubs outside the top: back and forth between **Primera** and **Segunda**. There are periods of brilliance, periods of struggle for survival. However, there were stages when **\"Celta\"** was talked about all over Europe. Especially in the late 90s. The team crushed **Juventus** and **Benfica** in the **UEFA Cup**, and the charismatic **Mostovy** shone on the field.\n\nAnd then — failure in **2004**. Departure, debts, panic. But **\"Celta\"** is not what it seems. In **2012**, she returned to **La Liga**, and already in **2017** almost reached the finals of the **Europa League** - then it was a little short against **Man United**. Today it is a different team, but with the same stubbornness in character.","club_identity":"## Celta Stadium\n\n**Balaidos Stadium** is not just a football arena, but a real home for **Celta** and its fans. Opened in **1928**, it has undergone several reconstructions, but has retained its authentic atmosphere. This is not a modern hi-tech complex with elite lodges - there is a different magic here.\n\nLocated in the western part of **Vigo**, the stadium immerses you in the atmosphere of real Spanish football from the first minutes. When the team takes the field and the stands are packed to the brim, the place comes alive. Its feature is close contact between players and fans. The distance from the stands to the lawn is minimal, so the pressure of the fans is felt especially acutely.\n\nDuring its history, **Balaidos** hosted matches of the **1982 World Cup**, the legendary matches of **\"Celta\"** in La Liga, the Spanish Cup and European Cups. But the most important thing is that the history of the club was made here, where every victory or defeat felt as if it was a matter of life and death.\n\n## Celta achievements\n\nIf you look only at the trophies, **Celta** will not impress. No championship, no Spanish Cup, although there were chances. However, this club is not measured by titles. It is measured in moments.\n\n**Greatest achievements:**\n* Final of the Spanish Cup (**1948/49**) — a chance for the first trophy, but failure. \n* The semi-final of the Europa League (**2016/17**) is a historic breakthrough that could have ended in the final, if not for that mistake in the match with **Man United**. \n* Fourth place in La Liga (**2002/03**) is the best ever season, leading the team to the **Champions League**.\n\n> But if you ask the fans what moments they remember the most, it's not the finals and the tables. It's **7:0 against Benfica**. These are incredible comebacks. These are matches where **\"Celta\"** played not just for points, but for their pride.\n","current_status_and_future":"## Famous Celta players\n\n* **Alexander Mostovy** is a genius who was loved for his technique, field vision and character. He was called **\"King Vigo\"** because he really ruled the game. Without him **\"EuroCelta\"** would not exist. \n* **Iago Aspas** is not just a captain, but the heart of the team. His return saved the club from relegation and he continues to do his best for Celta. \n* **Claudio Lopez**, **Gustavo Lopez** are two Argentines who brought South American passion and unpredictability to Vigo. \n* **Felix Carvajal** is a person who, back in the 1940s, became a symbol of the first great **Celta**.\n\n## Interesting facts about Celta\n\n* The record defeat of **Benfica** – **7:0** in the 1999 UEFA Cup - the biggest European defeat of the Portuguese giants. \n* A meeting with **\"Barca\"** that cannot be forgotten - in **2015** **\"Celta\"** defeated **\"Barcelona\"** **4:1**. At that time, the Catalans included **Neymar**, **Messi** and **Suarez**, but they could not do anything. \n* The comeback that saved the club - in **2012** **Celta** were on the brink of relegation from the Segunda but a win in the last round kept them in the second division, marking the start of a new era. \n* **Vigo** is not a million-dollar city, but **Celta** has loyal fans who travel to the farthest corners of Spain to follow the team.","stb_internal_id":"0192fbe5-5ba2-7d26-954d-88ffa1a96f9f","overrides":null,"has_social_media_links":true,"has_social_media_relations":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":true,"has_article_relations":false,"history_and_foundation_html":"

Key information about Celta

The club represents Galician football, founded in 1923 in the city of Vigo, located in the north-west of the country. Celta has always been a team that is not afraid of difficulties and even in difficult times it finds a way to remain an important part of La Liga.

\n","sporting_achievements_html":"

Celta: the history of the club

The team went through many stages of development, repeatedly finding themselves in the lower divisions, but each time they returned to La Liga.

Vigo is not the largest city in Spain, but it was here in 1923 that a club appeared, which is now talked about not only in Galicia. Then the local fans got tired of watching two middling teams — Real Fortuna and Sporting Vigo — trying in vain to assert themselves at the national level. As a result — a merger, a new emblem with a crown (because the king himself gave support), and a fresh name — \"Celta\", in honor of the Celts, the first settlers of these lands.

The start was encouraging, but then it was a classic for most Spanish clubs outside the top: back and forth between Primera and Segunda. There are periods of brilliance, periods of struggle for survival. However, there were stages when \"Celta\" was talked about all over Europe. Especially in the late 90s. The team crushed Juventus and Benfica in the UEFA Cup, and the charismatic Mostovy shone on the field.

And then — failure in 2004. Departure, debts, panic. But \"Celta\" is not what it seems. In 2012, she returned to La Liga, and already in 2017 almost reached the finals of the Europa League - then it was a little short against Man United. Today it is a different team, but with the same stubbornness in character.

\n","club_identity_html":"

Celta Stadium

Balaidos Stadium is not just a football arena, but a real home for Celta and its fans. Opened in 1928, it has undergone several reconstructions, but has retained its authentic atmosphere. This is not a modern hi-tech complex with elite lodges - there is a different magic here.

Located in the western part of Vigo, the stadium immerses you in the atmosphere of real Spanish football from the first minutes. When the team takes the field and the stands are packed to the brim, the place comes alive. Its feature is close contact between players and fans. The distance from the stands to the lawn is minimal, so the pressure of the fans is felt especially acutely.

During its history, Balaidos hosted matches of the 1982 World Cup, the legendary matches of \"Celta\" in La Liga, the Spanish Cup and European Cups. But the most important thing is that the history of the club was made here, where every victory or defeat felt as if it was a matter of life and death.

Celta achievements

If you look only at the trophies, Celta will not impress. No championship, no Spanish Cup, although there were chances. However, this club is not measured by titles. It is measured in moments.

Greatest achievements:

Final of the Spanish Cup (1948/49) — a chance for the first trophy, but failure.
The semi-final of the Europa League (2016/17) is a historic breakthrough that could have ended in the final, if not for that mistake in the match with Man United.
Fourth place in La Liga (2002/03) is the best ever season, leading the team to the Champions League.

\n
But if you ask the fans what moments they remember the most, it's not the finals and the tables. It's 7:0 against Benfica. These are incredible comebacks. These are matches where \"Celta\" played not just for points, but for their pride.
\n

\n","current_status_and_future_html":"

Famous Celta players

Alexander Mostovy is a genius who was loved for his technique, field vision and character. He was called \"King Vigo\" because he really ruled the game. Without him \"EuroCelta\" would not exist.
Iago Aspas is not just a captain, but the heart of the team. His return saved the club from relegation and he continues to do his best for Celta.
Claudio Lopez, Gustavo Lopez are two Argentines who brought South American passion and unpredictability to Vigo.
Felix Carvajal is a person who, back in the 1940s, became a symbol of the first great Celta.

Interesting facts about Celta

The record defeat of Benfica – 7:0 in the 1999 UEFA Cup - the biggest European defeat of the Portuguese giants.
A meeting with \"Barca\" that cannot be forgotten - in 2015 \"Celta\" defeated \"Barcelona\" 4:1. At that time, the Catalans included Neymar, Messi and Suarez, but they could not do anything.
The comeback that saved the club - in 2012 Celta were on the brink of relegation from the Segunda but a win in the last round kept them in the second division, marking the start of a new era.
Vigo is not a million-dollar city, but Celta has loyal fans who travel to the farthest corners of Spain to follow the team.

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Borja Iglesias: Career