"More importance given to sport than genocide" - Spanish striker shocker by Vuelta a Espana protests

Borja Iglesias, the Spanish international striker now at Celta Vigo, has voiced his views on the pro-Palestinian demonstrations that have defined the 2025 Vuelta a España. The protests have already forced significant changes to stages and prompted heightened security measures across the race. Iglesias, who has a long-standing reputation for speaking out on social issues, he previously refused to represent Spain until the dispute in women’s football was resolved, said he understands the demonstrators and emphasized the gravity of the situation in Gaza.

The Galician forward made it clear that sport should not be considered in isolation from wider realities. “Any situation is good to try to make something better out of this,” he said when asked about the protests directly targeting the Israel - Premier Tech team. He underlined that the demonstrations should not be dismissed simply because they have disrupted the rhythm of the race.

In remarks collected by La Vanguardia, Iglesias urged that attention must remain focused on human rights. “It is something that is very present in everyone's life. We are very aware of the situation we are living. Sometimes it is necessary to stop and claim what is mandatory: human rights and respect.”

The comments come after weeks of disruption in the Vuelta, where organisers have been forced into drastic measures. Three stages have already been reshaped by protests. In Bilbao, the race ended prematurely with no winner declared. In Mos, the finish was moved eight kilometers earlier, removing the decisive final climb. And in Valladolid, a crucial time trial was reduced from 27 kilometers to just 12, radically altering the general classification battle. For Iglesias, though, such sporting changes pale in comparison with the crisis unfolding in Palestine.

The disruption continues as the peloton enters its closing weekend. Stage 19 set off from Rueda, Valladolid, toward Guijuelo, Salamanca, but not without tension: minor incidents occurred near the start, quickly contained by police. The final two stages will test both riders and organizers. On Saturday, the decisive climb to the Bola del Mundo awaits, followed by Sunday’s traditional arrival along Madrid’s Paseo de la Castellana. Authorities have confirmed a historic security operation for these final days, with more than 1,500 state security officers deployed in the Community of Madrid.