Borja Iglesias: “I’d be happier being gay than like them” as striker condemns homophobic abuse

Celta Vigo forward Borja Iglesias has spoken out against the homophobic abuse he continues to face, insisting he “would be happier being gay than being like” those who target him. The Spain international, who has become an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in football, said the insults no longer affect him personally but highlight a wider culture of intolerance within the sport.

Iglesias has been a regular target of abuse in stadiums and online, particularly since he began painting his nails - first in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and later as a visible gesture of solidarity with LGBTQ+ people. One of the worst incidents occurred during a match against Sevilla earlier this season, where he was subjected to repeated homophobic slurs. 

Speaking to L’Équipe, Iglesias said he has reframed his response to the chants. “Calling me a f****t, I don’t consider that an insult,” he explained. “When a guy says that, I think I’d be happier being gay than being like him, with nothing better to do than insult people at the end of a match.” 

"Not being able to be yourself and love who you want is unacceptable, which is why the fight against homophobia is essential.”

But the striker stressed that the real harm falls on those who still feel unable to come out. “What bothers me is that a gay person is afraid to come out because of these kinds of reactions. Not being able to be yourself and love who you want is unacceptable, which is why the fight against homophobia is essential.”

Iglesias has long challenged football’s traditional culture of masculinity, arguing that the sport has historically glorified “strength and virility” in a way that leaves little room for difference. He praised players such as David Beckham and Guti for presenting alternative models of masculinity, but said there remains “a lot of work to be done” before LGBTQ+ players can feel safe and accepted. 

While a handful of players, including Josh Cavallo and Jakub Jankto, have publicly come out in recent years, Iglesias said it saddens him that more have not felt able to follow. He believes the fear of losing career opportunities or public acceptance continues to deter many. 

Earlier this season, thousands of Celta fans painted their nails in solidarity with Iglesias after another round of abuse - an act he described as deeply moving and a sign that attitudes within football can change. Even so, he maintains that real progress depends on confronting discrimination directly, both inside stadiums and across the wider football community.