Santi Mina, a name that once echoed across La Liga and European football, has had a career filled with remarkable highs and devastating lows. Born in Vigo, Spain, in December 1995, Santi Mina made his mark as a talented forward with sharp instincts and a knack for scoring goals. Starting his professional career at Celta Vigo, Mina quickly gained recognition for his skill and was soon signed by Valencia, where his career flourished. However, in 2022, the Spanish footballer’s life took a dramatic turn after being convicted for sexual abuse, which led to his suspension and legal troubles that still shadow his future.
In the latest updates of 2024, Mina is no longer a part of the Spanish football scene as he once was. Despite his potential and earlier successes, his career has been overshadowed by legal issues. Following his conviction, he was handed a four-year prison sentence, leaving his professional career in jeopardy. Now playing in Saudi Arabia, Mina’s story is one of great promise marred by serious consequences. So, what has happened to Santi Mina, and where is he now?
Key Takeaways
- Santi Mina, a Spanish forward, began his career at Celta Vigo and later played for Valencia.
- He was sentenced to four years in prison for a sexual abuse conviction in 2022, which caused a significant setback to his career.
- As of 2024, he is playing for Al Shabab FC in Saudi Arabia, having been loaned out by Celta Vigo.
- His career has seen highs, including his time in La Liga and FIFA video games, but his future remains uncertain due to the legal issues.
- Mina’s salary in Saudi Arabia is approximately £1.196 million annually.
Santi Mina’s Career – From Promise to Controversy
Santi Mina’s football career began with immense promise. A product of Celta Vigo’s youth academy, he made his first-team debut in 2013 at the age of 17. His impressive performances soon caught the eye of larger clubs, and in 2015, he was transferred to Valencia for a reported fee of €10 million. Mina’s time at Valencia was marked by several solid seasons, including a notable performance during the 2018-2019 season when the team won the Copa del Rey. During his time in La Liga, he accumulated 63 goals in 268 appearances, proving his potential as a valuable forward.
However, despite his on-field success, off-the-field issues began to affect his career trajectory. In 2022, Santi Mina’s life took a darker turn when he was convicted of sexual abuse. The sentence handed down to him was a major blow, not just for Mina, but also for the clubs and fans who had supported him. After the conviction, Celta Vigo suspended him indefinitely, and it seemed like his career could be over. However, in a surprising turn of events, Mina was loaned out to Al Shabab FC, a club in the Saudi Professional League, as part of a temporary arrangement.
Santi Mina – Where Is He Now?
As of December 2024, Santi Mina’s footballing future is no longer tied to La Liga. After his contract with Celta Vigo was unilaterally terminated in August 2023, he found a new home at Al Shabab FC. The Saudi Arabian club, which competes in the Saudi Professional League, offered Mina a fresh start despite his legal battles. His salary in Saudi Arabia is reported to be around £23,000 per week, amounting to approximately £1.196 million annually. This deal, however, is still viewed as controversial due to the circumstances surrounding his departure from Europe.
While his time in Saudi Arabia may be a new chapter in his career, it remains uncertain how long Mina will be able to continue playing professionally, especially with ongoing legal proceedings. His past performances, such as his appearances in FIFA video games like FIFA 19 and FIFA 20, showcased his skills and highlighted his potential. Yet, his personal life and legal issues have severely impacted his reputation within the football world.
Santi Mina’s FIFA Ratings – From Glory to Decline
For a period, Santi Mina was a popular player in the FIFA video game series, with respectable ratings reflecting his solid performances in La Liga. In FIFA 19, he was given an overall rating of 78, which increased slightly to 79 in FIFA 20. These ratings placed him among the notable Spanish forwards in the game, though they now serve as a reminder of a footballer whose career could have been much more, had it not been derailed by personal issues.
His inclusion in these video games was a testament to his status as a promising talent in European football. But with the legal battles and the drastic turn of events in his personal life, these ratings have taken on a different significance. The once-promising young forward now faces a different kind of challenge, one that extends beyond the pitch.
Santi Mina’s Salary and Financial Impact
While his playing career has taken a dramatic turn, Santi Mina’s salary in Saudi Arabia offers a glimpse into his financial situation. At Al Shabab FC, his weekly wage of £23,000 totals approximately £1.196 million annually. This salary is quite substantial compared to what he earned during his time in Spain. However, the financial rewards come at a time when his reputation and career are at their lowest. His involvement in the legal system and his departure from European football has undoubtedly affected his market value and his future prospects.
Santi Mina – A Legacy of Promise and Controversy
Santi Mina’s story is one of remarkable talent and profound controversy. From his debut with Celta Vigo to his peak at Valencia, he was once considered one of Spain’s rising stars in football. His involvement in the 2019 Copa del Rey victory with Valencia added to his legacy, and his presence in FIFA video games further cemented his status in the virtual world. Yet, the legal issues that emerged in 2022 have irreparably damaged his career.
Despite the personal and professional setbacks, Santi Mina continues to play football in Saudi Arabia, though his legacy is now clouded by his conviction and the uncertainty of his future.
| Key Life Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Santiago "Santi" Mina Lorenzo |
| Born | December 7, 1995, Vigo, Galicia, Spain |
| Position | Forward |
| Former Clubs | Celta Vigo, Valencia |
| Current Club | Al Shabab FC (on loan from Celta Vigo) |
| FIFA 19 Rating | 78 |
| FIFA 20 Rating | 79 |
| Salary | £23,000 per week (£1.196 million annually) |
| Legal Issues | Convicted of sexual abuse in 2022, sentenced to 4 years in prison |
| Copa del Rey | Winner with Valencia in 2019 |
FAQ
Where is Santi Mina now?
Santi Mina is currently playing for Al Shabab FC in Saudi Arabia, where he was loaned after his contract with Celta Vigo was terminated in 2023.
What happened to Santi Mina in 2022?
In 2022, Santi Mina was convicted of sexual abuse and sentenced to four years in prison. This conviction led to his suspension and eventual departure from Celta Vigo.
What is Santi Mina’s salary in Saudi Arabia?
Santi Mina earns approximately £23,000 per week, which amounts to around £1.196 million annually at Al Shabab FC.
What were Santi Mina’s FIFA ratings?
In FIFA 19, Santi Mina had an overall rating of 78, which increased to 79 in FIFA 20.
What is Santi Mina known for in his career?
Santi Mina is known for his time at Celta Vigo and Valencia, where he scored several goals in La Liga and contributed to Valencia’s Copa del Rey victory in 2019.
Why was Santi Mina suspended from Celta Vigo?
Mina was suspended indefinitely from Celta Vigo due to his conviction for sexual abuse in 2022.