Borja Iglesias

Borja Iglesias, a professional Spanish footballer, was born on January 17, 1993, in Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain. He developed an interest in football at an early age and began his youth career with Valencia CF before moving on to other teams such as Rápido Bouzas and, eventually, Celta de Vigo. As he grew, his talent as a striker became increasingly apparent, paving the way for his future professional career.

Borja Iglesias made his official first-team debut for Celta de Vigo on November 3, 2014, in a La Liga match against UD Almería. Even though the match ended in a 0-1 loss for Celta, this debut marked a significant milestone in Iglesias's career, as it was his introduction to top-flight Spanish football. He played the last eight minutes of the match as a substitute for Santi Mina, showcasing his readiness to seize opportunities at the national level.

On July 9, 2018, Borja Iglesias transferred from Celta de Vigo to RCD Espanyol for a reported fee of €10 million. This move came after a successful season at Real Zaragoza where he was on loan, scoring 23 goals in the second division. The transfer to Espanyol represented a significant step up as he continued to develop his career in La Liga. His time at Espanyol was marked by impressive performances that solidified his reputation as an effective striker.

Borja Iglesias signed with Real Betis on August 14, 2019, for a transfer fee of around €28 million, becoming the club's record signing at the time. He joined up with former Espanyol coach Rubi, who managed Iglesias during his successful stint with the Barcelona-based club. This move was aimed at strengthening Betis's attacking options, and Iglesias was seen as a key acquisition for the club's ambitions in La Liga. His signing illustrated Betis's commitment to building a competitive squad.

In the 2021-2022 season, on April 17, Borja Iglesias played a crucial role in Real Betis's Copa del Rey campaign. Iglesias was instrumental in the semi-final against Rayo Vallecano, scoring in the decisive moments to help his team reach the final. Betis eventually won the Copa del Rey, adding a significant trophy to Iglesias's career achievements. His contributions were widely praised, as he demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure and contribute to team success on a national stage.

Borja Iglesias earned his first cap for the Spain national team on September 17, 2022, in a UEFA Nations League match against Switzerland. This call-up was a recognition of his consistent performances at the club level, and he came on as a substitute in the second half. Iglesias's debut for the national team represented a personal achievement and a dream come true for the striker, who had worked diligently to reach this level of international recognition.

On January 17, 2023, Borja Iglesias celebrated his 30th birthday with teammates, family, and fans reflecting on his journey from a promising young talent to a seasoned professional footballer. Throughout his career, Iglesias has grown not only as an athlete but also as a leader on and off the field, known for his team spirit and determination. This milestone birthday marked a moment for him to look back on his career achievements and to set new goals for the future.

In September 2023, Borja Iglesias was nominated for La Liga's Player of the Month, recognizing his outstanding performances for Real Betis during the early stages of the 2023-2024 season. Iglesias showcased exceptional skill, scoring multiple crucial goals and assisting his teammates, which was instrumental in Betis's strong league positioning. This nomination highlighted Iglesias's continued impact in La Liga and his value to Real Betis as a consistent performer on the field.