Borja Iglesias Quintás is a Spanish footballer who plays as a forward for Celta de Vigo and is part of the team that has reached the final of the 2026 World Cup against Argentina.
He was born on January 17, 1993, in Santiago de Compostela. He is 33 years old, measures 1.87 meters, and weighs 86 kilos, according to the official record of Celta. He is the oldest player in the Spanish squad for the tournament.
His role is different from that of other Spanish forwards. Borja Iglesias offers physical presence, back play, heading ability, and the capacity to hold off center-backs when Spain needs to attack near the opponent's area.
What team does Borja Iglesias play for
Borja Iglesias plays for Celta de Vigo and wears the number 7 with the Galician team.
The forward returned to Celta on a permanent basis in August 2025 after having played on loan at the club during the previous season. He signed for two seasons, with the possibility of extending the contract for one more year.
His return closed a journey that had begun years earlier in the Celta B team. Borja Iglesias took his first professional steps at Celta B and made his debut with the first team in 2015.
In his first season back in Vigo, still on loan, he scored 11 goals and helped the team qualify for European competitions.
How many goals did Borja Iglesias score this season
Borja Iglesias finished the 2025-2026 League with 14 goals for Celta, a figure that was decisive for Luis de la Fuente to count on him again and include him in the squad.
The forward also received the Manuel de Castro Award as the best player of Celta in 2025. The recognition was decided through a vote in which players, journalists, and fans participated.
During the evaluated period for that award, he signed 16 goals and five assists in 44 matches across the League, Europa League, and Copa del Rey.
What has been Borja Iglesias' trajectory
Borja Iglesias began his training in the youth categories of Valencia and then went through the Villarreal academy. In 2013, he returned to Galicia to join the Celta B team.
His professional trajectory includes the following teams:
Celta B. He became one of the most prominent forwards in the category and made his way to debut with the first team.
Real Zaragoza. He played on loan during the 2017-2018 season and stood out in the Second Division for his goal-scoring ability.
Espanyol. The Catalan team signed him in 2018. He scored 17 goals and provided three assists during his only season at the club.
Real Betis. He arrived in 2019 and played 181 official matches, with 52 goals and 12 assists. He became one of the most recognizable players of the Seville team.
Bayer Leverkusen. He played on loan at the German team during the second half of the 2023-2024 season.
Celta de Vigo. He initially returned on loan and, in August 2025, he joined the club where he had started his professional career permanently.
What titles has Borja Iglesias won
The main title of Borja Iglesias is the Copa del Rey won with Real Betis in 2022.
The forward was the top scorer of that edition with six goals. He scored in both semifinal matches against Rayo Vallecano and opened the scoring in the final against Valencia with a header after a cross from Héctor Bellerín.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time. Betis was crowned champion in the penalty shootout and achieved its first major title in 17 years.
Borja Iglesias was also part of Bayer Leverkusen that won the Bundesliga during the 2023-2024 season, although he arrived at the German team in the winter market and had a secondary role.
Why they call Borja Iglesias the Panda
Borja Iglesias is known in the football world as the Panda.
The nickname was born during his time in the Celta B team. The locker room frequently listened to the song Panda, by American rapper Desiigner, before matches. The players began to call the group Panda Team and the nickname ended up being especially associated with the forward.
The nickname gradually became a part of his sports identity. His celebrations, his jerseys, and numerous messages from the clubs he has played for have used references to the panda.
How many matches has Borja Iglesias played with Spain
Borja Iglesias has played nine matches with the Spanish national team and has not yet scored any goals with the senior team. His record before the World Cup final is five wins, two draws, and two losses.
He debuted with Spain in September 2022, during a Nations League match against Switzerland. He then participated in the match against Scotland played in March 2023.
The forward stopped being called up for more than two years. Luis de la Fuente called him up again in October 2025 for the qualifying matches against Georgia and Bulgaria, after his good start to the season with Celta.
During 2026 he also participated in the preparation matches against Egypt, Iraq, and Peru before traveling to the World Cup.
What number does Borja Iglesias wear in the World Cup 2026
Borja Iglesias wears the number 26 with Spain in the World Cup 2026.
The RFEF confirmed the number before the start of the tournament. Mikel Oyarzabal uses the 21 and Ferran Torres the 7, while Iglesias occupies the last number of the call-up of 26 players.
With Celta, he usually plays with the number 7.
What role does Borja Iglesias have in the World Cup 2026
Borja Iglesias has had a secondary role during the World Cup, with Mikel Oyarzabal as the first option of Luis de la Fuente to occupy the center of the attack.
His most notable participation occurred in the round of 16 against Portugal. He came on in the 97th minute, after the goal scored by Mikel Merino, to replace Oyarzabal and help Spain defend the lead during the final moments.
Although he has had few minutes, his profile offers a different alternative. He can come on when Spain needs to crowd the area, contest aerial balls, protect the ball with his back to goal, or attack crosses from the wings.
Before the tournament, the player himself explained that his goal was to contribute from the role that corresponded to him and take advantage of any opportunity he might receive.
How Borja Iglesias plays
Borja Iglesias is a center forward in the area. He does not stand out mainly for speed or dribbling, but for his ability to occupy spaces, protect the ball, and finish plays.
His height and physical strength allow him to compete with central defenders. He can receive with his back to goal, hold the ball until the midfielders arrive, and lay it off to the wings.
He is also dangerous in the air game. He attacks lateral crosses, moves between the center-backs, and looks to anticipate at the near post.
His presence can be especially useful in the final minutes of a tight match, when the opponent defends close to their goal and Spain needs to bring in another finisher.
Can Borja Iglesias play the final against Argentina
Borja Iglesias is part of the Spanish call-up to play in the final of the World Cup 2026 against Argentina.
His presence in the starting eleven seems unlikely due to the prominence that Mikel Oyarzabal has had during the championship. Ferran Torres has also been used before the Celta forward in several matches.
Borja Iglesias may appear during the second half or extra time if Spain needs more presence inside the area. The official lineup and bench will determine his definitive role in the final.