Celta Vigo player Borja Iglesias says homophobia still deters gay footballers from coming out

Celta Vigo forward Borja Iglesias has said homophobia in men’s football continues to create an environment where gay players feel unable to come out publicly.

The Spain international, who is heterosexual, has become known for speaking out on discrimination in the sport. During the pandemic he began painting his fingernails, initially as a personal form of expression and later as a gesture supporting the Black Lives Matter movement and opposition to racism and homophobia. 

Iglesias has frequently been subjected to homophobic insults from opposing supporters and on social media. In January 2026 he was targeted with abuse by fans after a match against Sevilla while giving his shirt to a supporter. 

“What bothers me is that a gay person is afraid to come out because of these kinds of reactions” – Borja Iglesias on homophobia from football fans

The incident prompted a visible show of solidarity from Celta Vigo supporters and staff, with thousands painting their nails before a subsequent match as part of a campaign against homophobia. 

Speaking to the French newspaper L’Equipe, Iglesias said the insults initially affected him but he has since changed how he views them.

“The first few times it affected me; I took it personally. After reflecting on it, I see things differently,” he said. “Calling me a f****t, I don’t consider that an insult. 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. 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 and why I’m involved in it.”

Iglesias also reflected on why football has historically struggled with LGBTQ+ visibility.

“I’ve thought about this a lot, and I don’t think I’ve quite found all the explanations” – Iglesias on why football struggles with LGBTQ+ visibility

“I’ve thought about this a lot, and I don’t think I’ve quite found all the explanations. Traditionally, football is a men’s sport, although that’s changing, a world that glorifies strength and virility. As if footballers weren’t human beings, but superior beings who embody the essence of the patriarchal system.”

He pointed to players who have challenged conventional expectations around masculinity in the sport.

“Players like David Beckham and Guti have offered different looks and a different model of masculinity. They’ve changed the image of football and helped us to be freer. But there’s still a lot of work to be done.”

The striker also addressed the absence of openly gay players in the men’s professional game.

“It saddens me that it still seems impossible for gay footballers to come out. They must feel, which I understand very well, that if they spoke about it, they would lose everything they’ve gained. I think we’re closer than ever to that moment, but unfortunately, we’re still far from it. In twenty years in the world of football, not a single colleague has ever told me this, and that makes me reflect on things.”