Luisa Sánchez announces Iago Aspas’s name on Balaídos goal stand
Sports journalist Iago Aspas greets the historic Balaídos stadium in what will be his last professional season, as vice‑president Luisa Sánchez announces on Instagram that the new goal stand, proposed during the Mexillón de Galicia campaign, will bear his name after the captain gave his consent.
Proposal and Instagram announcement
Luisa Sánchez, vice‑president of the Diputación de Pontevedra, delivered the naming proposal to Aspas during an event for the Mexillón de Galicia campaign. The captain, known as the “celeste”, accepted the honour in what is being billed as his final season. Sánchez made the agreement public on Wednesday via Instagram, a day after she raised the idea again at the campaign’s presentation.
The initial suggestion was first made at the start of 2025. Sánchez waited until Aspas signalled his readiness before formalising the plan. The delayed approach ensured the tribute aligns with the player’s own decision.
The 39‑year‑old Moañés is the record holder for most official appearances in Celta Vigo’s history. His final campaign has already been dominated by news of a quadriceps injury that sidelined him from the club’s European opener. Despite the setback, Aspas returned to training and expressed how watching matches from the stands feels “very hard”.
Construction cost and timeline
The new goal stand will cost €26.3 million, financed equally by the Diputación de Pontevedra and the Concello de Vigo, each contributing €13 million. The concrete structure has already reached its maximum height and workers have begun installing the blue canopy. Mayor Abel Caballero predicts the work will be finished by the end of 2026.
Celta and the Concello aim to open the stand on the weekend of 2 and 3 January, coinciding with the revival of the derby against Deportivo after eight years. The event is expected to bring the stadium’s total capacity close to 31 000 spectators. The stand itself will accommodate roughly 7 000 fans.
If the timetable holds, Aspas could still feature on the pitch for several months in front of a stand that bears his name, an uncommon scenario for such honours. Most similar tributes are unveiled after a player has retired, making this timing particularly noteworthy.
In addition to the naming, the Concello plans to erect a statue beside the letters of Balaídos as a further homage to the club’s iconic forward. The combined recognitions aim to cement Aspas’s legacy within the stadium long after his playing days end.
Aspas hopes to return to action after the international break, with Celta’s next league fixture against Elche on 11 October and a high‑profile clash with Juventus on 15 October on his wish list. He has already resumed running, signalling his determination to contribute on the field before retirement.