Brief Introduction of Borja Iglesias
Borja Iglesias Quintas is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a striker for La Liga club Celta de Vigo and the Spain national team. Known for his goal-scoring prowess, physical strength, and charismatic personality, Iglesias has become a prominent figure in Spanish football. He gained widespread recognition during his time with RCD Espanyol and later Real Betis, where he was instrumental in their 2021–22 Copa del Rey victory. Nicknamed “El Panda,” he is not only celebrated for his on-field achievements but also for his advocacy against social injustices, making him a respected personality both within and outside the sport.
Borja Iglesias Overview
| Full Name | Borja Iglesias Quintas |
| Date of Birth | January 17, 1993 |
| Age | 33 years old |
| Birthplace | Santiago de Compostela, Spain |
| Nationality | Spanish |
| Profession | Professional Footballer |
| Famous For | Winning the Copa del Rey with Real Betis and his prolific goal-scoring record in La Liga. |
| Education | Information not publicly available |
| Marital Status | Information not publicly available |
| Spouse / Partner | Information not publicly available |
| Children | None |
| Net Worth | Approximately £14.82 million |
Early Life and Education of Borja Iglesias
Borja Iglesias Quintas was born on January 17, 1993, in Santiago de Compostela, a city in the province of A Coruña, Galicia, Spain. He developed a passion for football at a very young age, starting to play at his local primary school. At the age of 10, his talent was recognized, and he joined the youth setup of SD Compostela. His formative years were spent honing his skills at various youth academies. After his time at Compostela, he moved to Valencia CF’s youth system in 2007, followed by a stint at CD Roda. In 2011, he joined the esteemed academy of Villarreal CF, which marked a significant step in his development toward becoming a professional player. Details regarding his formal education outside of his football training are not widely publicized.
Borja Iglesias Career
Early Career
Iglesias began his senior career with Villarreal’s C team during the 2012–13 season, where he showcased his potential by scoring 11 goals in 29 appearances in the Tercera División. His promising performances caught the attention of RC Celta de Vigo, and on July 9, 2013, he signed for them, initially being assigned to their reserve team, Celta B, in the Segunda División B. It was here that he truly began to make a name for himself, becoming a prolific goalscorer. Over four seasons with Celta B, he scored an impressive 73 goals in 144 matches, eventually becoming the reserve team’s all-time top scorer. Despite his success with the B team, his first-team opportunities at Celta were limited, making his La Liga debut on January 3, 2015, as a substitute against Sevilla FC.
Breakthrough
The major turning point in Borja Iglesias’s career came during the 2017–18 season when he was loaned to Segunda División club Real Zaragoza. This loan spell proved to be his breakthrough. At Zaragoza, he was a key player, demonstrating his clinical finishing and ability to lead the line. He finished the season as the division’s joint-third highest scorer with 22 goals, helping the team reach the promotion play-offs. This successful campaign in the second tier announced his arrival on the national stage and attracted the attention of top-flight clubs. The following season, RCD Espanyol signed him, and it was with the Catalan club that he established himself as a formidable La Liga striker, scoring 17 league goals in his debut top-flight season.
Major Achievements and Success
Borja Iglesias’s career is highlighted by significant team and individual accomplishments. His most notable success came with Real Betis, whom he joined in 2019. He was a pivotal figure in their victory in the 2021–22 Copa del Rey, scoring in the final against Valencia and finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals. His exceptional performance in the final earned him the Most Valuable Player award. Individually, his consistent goal-scoring was recognized when he was named La Liga Player of the Month for August 2022. In a brief but successful loan spell with Bayer Leverkusen in 2024, he was part of the squad that won a historic Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double. He also earned his first cap for the Spanish national team in September 2022.
Recent Work / Current Status
In January 2024, Borja Iglesias joined German club Bayer 04 Leverkusen on loan until the end of the season to provide cover for the injured Victor Boniface. Although he didn’t score during his ten appearances, he contributed to the team winning the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal. Following his loan spell in Germany, Iglesias returned to his formative club, Celta de Vigo, on a season-long loan for the 2024-25 campaign. On August 12, 2025, he made his return to Celta permanent, signing a two-year contract. He continues to be a key player for the Galician side in La Liga.
Borja Iglesias Awards and Achievements
- Copa del Rey: 2021–22
- Bundesliga: 2023–24
- DFB-Pokal: 2023–24
- La Liga Player of the Month: August 2022
- Copa del Rey Top Scorer: 2021–22
- Copa del Rey Final Most Valuable Player: 2022
Borja Iglesias Personal Life & Family
Borja Iglesias is known for being a private person when it comes to his family and personal life. He was born in Santiago de Compostela to his parents, Marcelino Iglesias and Maite Quintas. Much of his personal life, including details about his family background and upbringing, is not extensively documented in the public domain. He is known for his distinctive nickname, “El Panda,” which originated during his time at Celta B. The team would listen to the song “Panda” by the rapper Desiigner before matches, leading to the team being called the “Panda Team” and the nickname sticking with Iglesias. He has even tattooed a panda on his ankle. Iglesias is also recognized for his social consciousness, notably painting his nails black in 2020 to support the Black Lives Matter movement and later as a stance against homophobia.
Borja Iglesias Relationship Details
Information regarding Borja Iglesias’s romantic relationships, including details about a girlfriend or wife, is not publicly available. He has chosen to keep this aspect of his life private.
Borja Iglesias Net Worth and Income
Borja Iglesias has accumulated significant wealth throughout his professional football career. As of recent estimates, his net worth is reported to be around £14.82 million. His income is primarily derived from his salary as a professional footballer, with his current contract at Celta de Vigo reportedly earning him an annual salary of approximately €2.4 million. Throughout his career, his salary has seen a steady increase, reflecting his growing stature in the sport. His previous contracts with Real Betis and Espanyol were also lucrative. Besides his club salary, his income may also be supplemented by bonuses and potential endorsements, although specific details about these are not widely disclosed.
Borja Iglesias Physical Appearance
- Height: 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in)
- Weight: 86 kg (190 lbs)
- Eye Color: Information not publicly available
- Hair Color: Brown
Borja Iglesias Controversies
Borja Iglesias has largely maintained a career free of major controversies. However, he has been targeted for his progressive stances. In January 2026, he was subjected to homophobic slurs from a group of individuals after a match, an incident that was widely condemned. He has also faced some online abuse for painting his fingernails, a gesture he uses to protest against racism and homophobia. In August 2023, he announced he would not play for the Spanish national team until “things change and this type of act does not go unpunished,” in response to the controversy surrounding the then-president of the Spanish Football Federation, Luis Rubiales. He later returned to the national team setup after changes were made within the federation.
Borja Iglesias Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not publicly available
- Twitter – Information not publicly available
- YouTube – Information not publicly available
Interesting Facts about Borja Iglesias
- His nickname “El Panda” comes from the song of the same name by American rapper Desiigner, which was popular in the Celta B dressing room.
- He is an advocate for social justice and has used his platform to speak out against racism and homophobia, famously painting his nails as a form of protest.
- Despite being the top-scoring Spanish player in the calendar year 2022, he was a surprise omission from Spain’s FIFA World Cup squad that year.
- He became the all-time top scorer for Celta de Vigo’s reserve team, Celta B, in December 2016.
- He has a tattoo of a panda on his ankle, embracing his popular nickname.
Borja Iglesias Legacy and Influence
Borja Iglesias’s legacy will be defined not only by his on-pitch achievements but also by his character and willingness to use his platform for social good. As a footballer, he has proven to be a reliable and clinical striker at the highest level of Spanish football, with his crowning achievement being the pivotal role he played in Real Betis’s historic Copa del Rey triumph. His journey from the lower divisions to becoming an international striker serves as an inspiration for aspiring footballers. Off the pitch, his influence extends beyond the sport. By taking public stances against discrimination and injustice, he has become a role model for a new generation of athletes who are conscious of their social responsibilities. His courage to address sensitive issues has been praised and has contributed to important conversations within the football community and society at large.
Final Words about Borja Iglesias
In summary, the Borja Iglesias biography is a story of perseverance, talent, and principle. From his early days in the youth academies of Galicia to his celebrated successes in La Liga and beyond, his career has been on an upward trajectory. His journey is a testament to the idea that dedication and hard work can lead to the pinnacle of professional sport. More than just a prolific goalscorer, Borja Iglesias has established himself as a thoughtful and socially aware individual. His willingness to stand up for his beliefs has earned him respect that transcends club rivalries. As he continues his career with his boyhood club, Celta de Vigo, he remains a significant figure in Spanish football, admired for both his abilities with the ball and the strength of his convictions.