Spanish Striker Borja Iglesias Reluctantly Shakes Trump’s Hand at 2026 World Cup Final
Spanish striker Borja Iglesias, a vocal activist against racism, homophobia, and Israel’s actions in Gaza, reluctantly shook U.S. President Donald Trump’s hand during the 2026 World Cup final medal ceremony in Miami. Iglesias, who played only one minute in the tournament, had joked he would comply with FIFA protocol to “avoid prison.” Spain defeated Argentina 1-0. The brief, cold handshake drew attention amid Iglesias’ history of political stands, including resigning from the national team over the 2023 Rubiales scandal.
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Borja Iglesias: A Different Footballer Who Resigned Over Rubiales Case and Won the World Cup
The article profiles Spanish striker Borja Iglesias, who made headlines in August 2023 by resigning from the national team in protest of the Rubiales case and in solidarity with Jenni Hermoso. Nearly three years later, in July 2026, he lifted the World Cup with Spain. Known for his outspoken activism on LGTBI rights and social issues, Iglesias continued to make waves during the tournament: he criticized former Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's comments on French players' identities, lamented high ticket prices for the final, and gave a notably cold handshake to U.S. President Donald Trump during the medal ceremony. He also shared a warm moment with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and strengthened his friendship with actor Javier Bardem. Despite playing only one minute in the World Cup, Iglesias' personality and convictions made him a central figure off the pitch.
Spain's Borja Iglesias Shakes Trump's Hand Briefly to 'Avoid Prison' After World Cup Final
After Spain's 1-0 World Cup final victory over Argentina on July 19, 2026, Spanish striker Borja Iglesias shook hands with U.S. President Donald Trump in a brief, furtive manner, avoiding eye contact. Iglesias, who strongly disagrees with Trump's views, had previously joked to Panenka magazine that he would follow protocol to 'avoid going to prison.' The 33-year-old Celta player is known for his activism against racism, xenophobia, misogyny, and for his pro-Palestinian stance, including calling Israel's actions in Gaza a 'genocide.' He had also refused to play for Spain in 2023 over the Luis Rubiales scandal. Argentina's Cristian Romero similarly snubbed Trump during the ceremony.
Spain striker Borja Iglesias fears prison over handshake with Trump at World Cup final
Spanish striker Borja Iglesias (33) has expressed reluctance to shake hands with US President Donald Trump during the medal ceremony after the 2026 World Cup final, telling Spanish magazine Panenka: 'I don't want to go to prison.' The Celta Vigo player, who will face Argentina in the final, hopes the moment of greeting Trump 'passes quickly' so he can forget it. Iglesias has a history of political activism, having temporarily left the national team after the 2023 Rubiales kiss scandal and spoken out against racism, homophobia, and what he called Israel's 'genocide' in Gaza. He acknowledged his limited power, saying he doesn't want to stir controversy before the final. The article notes that the last World Cup also saw political controversy when the Emir of Qatar draped a robe over Lionel Messi.
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Borja Iglesias Reluctantly Accepts Protocol to Greet Trump at World Cup Final
Spanish forward Borja Iglesias, 33, expressed reluctance about greeting U.S. President Donald Trump at the World Cup final in Miami, as required by FIFA protocol. In an interview with Panenka magazine, Iglesias joked about avoiding prison but hoped the moment would pass quickly so he could forget it. The Celta de Vigo striker, who has played only one minute in the tournament, has previously sided with pro-Palestinian protests. He acknowledged he lacks the power to change the situation and does not want to create controversy, stating people already know his views. Trump is expected to hand over the trophy and greet all players from Spain and Argentina as they receive medals.
Borja Iglesias Reluctantly Agrees to Shake Donald Trump's Hand at 2026 World Cup Final
Spanish striker Borja Iglesias, known for his political activism against racism and homophobia, has reluctantly agreed to shake US President Donald Trump's hand during the 2026 World Cup final protocol ceremony. In an interview with Spanish football magazine Panenka, the 33-year-old Celta Vigo player said he would comply with FIFA's protocol but hopes the handshake 'goes by very quickly' so he can forget about it. Iglesias joked he doesn't want to go to prison, acknowledging he lacks the power to take a stronger stand. The final between Spain and Argentina takes place Sunday at 9 PM French time, with Trump expected to present the trophy. Iglesias previously opposed Spanish federation president Luis Rubiales over the non-consensual kiss incident and has supported pro-Palestinian protests.