Santi Aldama Bio: NBA Contract, Girlfriend, Net Worth & Family

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Santi Aldama is a Spanish basketball sensation who has taken the NBA by storm with incredible talent and skills. He plays for the Memphis Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association (NBA).

At a young age, Aldama displayed his immense talent on the international stage during the 2019 FIBA U18 European Championship. He led the national team to gold and was named MVP of the tournament.

With his exceptional skills, Aldama has earned numerous accolades and championships, carving his name into the basketball world.

NBA player Santi Aldama
NBA player Santi Aldama (Source – MARCA)

But how did this young man from Spain make it to the biggest stage in basketball? His story is one of passion, dedication, and perseverance, and it all started with a dream.

This article will look closely at Santi Aldama‘s early life, career, net worth, relationships, and achievements. But, before that, let’s quickly look at his quick facts.

Quick Facts

Name Santi Aldama
Full Name Santiago Aldama Toledo
Nick Name Santi
Date of Birth January 10, 2001
Age 23 Years Old
Birth Place Las Palmas, Spain
Nationality Spanish
Ethnicity Hispanic
Zodiac Sign Capricorn
Height  7 ft 0 in / 2.13 m/ 213 cm
Weight 215 lb/ 98 kg
Hair Color Black
Eye Color Black
Father’s Name Santiago Aldama Sr
Mother’s Name María Isabel Toledo Jiménez
Uncle’s Name Santi Toledo
Siblings Not available
High School Canterbury Basketball Academy
Education Graduated
University Loyola University, Maryland
Relationship status Probably single
Profession Basketball Player
Position Forward
Leagues NBA
NBA Draft 2021
Playing Teams
  • Memphis Grizzlies (2021 – Present)
  • Memphis Hustle (2021- 2022)
Jersey Number 7 (Grizzlies)
Notable Awards & Achievements
  • FIBA U18 European Championship MVP (2019)
  • Gold at FIBA U18 European Championship
Net Worth Approximately $4 million
Social Media Instagram, Twitter
Merch Signed Rookie Card
Last Update March 2024

Early Life & Education

Santi Aldama was born Santiago Aldama Toledo on January 10 2001. He was born and raised in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain, by his Father, Santiago Aldama, and mother, María Isabel Toledo Jiménez.

Basketball runs deep in Santi’s blood. His Father was a professional basketball player for Spain and Portugal and even represented Spain at the 1992 Summer Olympics.

Similarly, his uncle Santi Toledo was a professional basketball player who played for Spain, Italy, and Portugal.

Santi Aldama with his father and uncle
Santi Aldama With His Father, Santi Aldama Sr (left), And Uncle, Santi Toledo (right) (Source -canarias7)

Thus, Santi started playing basketball at the tender age of three. His Father and uncle were his primary coach honing his basketball skills from a young age.

Furthermore, Santi looked up to basketball legends like Pau Gasol, Juan Carlos Navarro, and Kobe Bryant, dreaming of following in their footsteps.

In an interview, Santi said that Paul Gasol and Kobe Bryant inspired him to become a basketball player. He said, 

Seeing them (Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant) win rings with the Lakers is what helped me to be a basketball player. Being able to see Pau win titles has been a great influence. Pau is a benchmark.

For education, he played basketball for Canterbury Basketball Academy and graduated from Loyola University, Maryland.

Age, Height & Weight

Santi Aldama is 23 years old and stands at a towering height of 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m).

He weighs around 215 lb (98 kg) and possesses a lean, athletic frame ideal for basketball players.

Early Career

Santi Aldama’s love for basketball started at a young age. From the start, he had a natural talent for the game.

And by the time he was sixteen, he was already playing internationally and catching the attention of scouts worldwide.

He debuted for Spain at the 2017 FIBA U16 European Championship in Podgorica, Montenegro, at sixteen. But Aldama’s true moment of glory came two years later at the FIBA U18 European Championship in Volos, Greece.

His remarkable performance earned his team a gold medal, and he was named the tournament’s most valuable player (MVP).

Santi Aldama winning gold and mvp awards in U18 FIBA European Championship
Santi Aldama Won The MVP Awards In U18 FIBA European Championship (Source – EI confidential)

Thus, many of the biggest clubs in Spain, including FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, had their eyes on him after high school.

However, Santi decided to make a bold move and committed to playing college basketball in the United States for Loyola-Maryland in 2019. His decision to choose a mid-major program surprised many experts, but it turned out to be a brilliant move.

Though he had to sit out the first few months of his freshman season due to a knee injury, he came back stronger than ever and made his collegiate debut on February 1, 2020.

Santi Aldama wasted no time impacting the court, quickly establishing himself as a star player. He scored several honorable awards and even led his team to a major championship victory.

NBA Career

It was no surprise when Santi declared for the 2021 NBA draft, with many predicting he would be a top pick.

He maintained his college eligibility while waiting for the draft, and on the big day, he was selected with the 30th overall pick by the Utah Jazz.

Santi Aldama playing for Memphis
Santi Aldama Playing For Memphis (Source – pressboxonline.com)

However, his rights were soon traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, where he plays his heart out on the court.

He also briefly played for Grizzlies’ NBA Summer League roster in 2022, where he was honored with a spot on the All-NBA Summer League Second Team.

Girlfriend & Relationship

The Grizzlies’ power forward is not married yet but is in a relationship with his girlfriend. His girlfriend, Pilar Barquín, is an Instagram influencer who goes by the IG handle @pilarbarquin.

The two often shares pictures of each other on their respective social media accounts.

Santi Aldama & His Girlfriend Pilar
Santi Aldama & His Girlfriend Pilar (Source: Instagram)

Though, the couple has not opened up much about their dating story.

Pilar took to Instagram & shared a picture of her NBA boyfriend for the first time in July 2021. As for Santi Aldama, it was a year later, in May 2022, he featured his girlfriend Pilar’s picture on his Instagram.

Though, the duo was seen commenting on each other IG posts since December 2020. So, it is alleged that their relationship began in 2020.

Pilar Barquin, a Spain-born, is an alumna of Comillas Pontifical University (Universidad Pontificia Comillas). She graduated from there in July 2021. 

How Much Is The Net Worth Of Santi Aldama?

As of 2024, Santi Aldama has an estimated net worth in the range of $1-$3 million. For sure, most of his earnings are the result of his basketball journey.

Currently, Aldama plays for the NBA team Memphis Grizzlies on a four-year contract worth $10.24 million, which he signed on August 8, 2021.

As per the deal, his average annual salary stands at $2.56 million and has option contracts in the concluding two years.

In his rookie season, the 2020-21 season, Santi earned a base salary of $1.99 million. Then, in the 2022-23 season, his salary went a bit up, earning him $2.09 million.

On October 15, 2022, the Grizzlies’ power forward exercised an option deal for the 2023-24 season that sees him a paycheck of $2.19 million.

In the last year of his four-year rookie scale contract, Santi Aldama’s earnings for the 2024-25 season will be $3.96 million after exercising another option deal.

Moreover, the NBA player can sum up a great deal of money through endorsements. Though 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where did Santi Aldama go to college?

Aldama went to Loyola University, Maryland, where he played basketball for the Greyhounds.

Who is jersey number 7 on Memphis Grizzlies?

The Spanish-born power forward Santi Aldama wears jersey number 7 in the Grizzlies.

How much is the salary of Santi Aldama?

Aldama earned a base salary of $2.09 million in the 2022-23 season. After exercising an option with the Grizzlies, his salary stands at $2.19 million for the 2023-24 season.

Shaddy
Shaddyhttps://playersbio.com/
Shaddy is a passionate writer and overall wordsmith. She is committed to satisfying your appetite for the content. She is not only an avid celebrity style enthusiast but also a singer herself. She makes cover songs during her free times.

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