Last Updated on October 9, 2026 by Orlando Bloom

Santi Aldama is a Spanish professional basketball player who plays for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. Born on January 10, 2001, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, his full name is Santiago Aldama Toledo. The talented power forward and center has established himself as one of Spain’s leading basketball players after beginning his NBA career with the Memphis Grizzlies. Beyond his achievements on the court, fans are interested in Santi Aldama’s family, particularly his wife, children, parents and siblings.
Aldama comes from a family with deep connections to professional basketball. His father, Santiago Aldama Alesón, represented Spain at the 1992 Summer Olympics, while his mother, María Isabel Toledo Jiménez, is the sister of former professional basketball player Santiago Toledo. He also has a younger brother named Miguel Aldama. In his romantic life, Santi is married to his longtime partner, Pilar Barquín, whom he celebrated marrying in a family wedding ceremony in July 2025.
Santi Aldama’s Wife: Meet Pilar Barquín
Santi Aldama’s wife is Pilar Barquín, a Spanish woman who has been his longtime romantic partner throughout much of his professional basketball career.
The couple have maintained a relationship since at least the early 2020s, with their romance becoming publicly known through social media photographs and appearances together.
Pilar Barquín was born in Spain and pursued higher education before accompanying Aldama during his professional basketball journey in the United States.
According to reporting published by Spanish newspaper El Mundo in August 2025, Pilar studied Law and International Relations at Universidad Pontificia Comillas in Madrid.
She subsequently continued her education at the University of Memphis, where she pursued a master’s degree in Liberal Studies.
Her academic interests have included intellectual property, business-related subjects and fashion law.
Although Pilar has occasionally appeared alongside Aldama on social media, she has generally maintained a relatively private personal life.
She uses the Instagram account @pilarbarquin, where she has shared photographs documenting some of her experiences and travels.
Unlike her husband, whose professional career attracts international attention, Pilar has not actively pursued extensive publicity through sports media.
However, she has played an important role in supporting Aldama while he established himself in the NBA.
How Did Santi Aldama and Pilar Barquín Meet?
Santi Aldama and Pilar Barquín have been romantically involved since the early stages of his professional basketball career.
Although the exact circumstances surrounding their first meeting have not been publicly established, the couple were already interacting on social media around 2020.
Pilar shared photographs with Aldama in 2021, and the basketball player began posting pictures of them together on his own social media accounts in 2022.
One of their early publicly documented photographs together dates to May 29, 2022.
As Aldama developed his career with the Memphis Grizzlies, Pilar became part of his life in Tennessee.
In March 2024, Spanish sports publication Jot Down Sport reported that Aldama was living in Memphis with Pilar and that the couple enjoyed their life in the city.
They also traveled together during the NBA offseason.
In August 2024, Menorca.info reported that Aldama and Pilar were spending time in Menorca following his participation in the Paris Olympic Games.
The couple were seen enjoying local restaurants and visiting several locations around the Spanish island.
When Did Santi Aldama and Pilar Barquín Get Married?
Santi Aldama and Pilar Barquín publicly celebrated their marriage on July 12, 2025, during a wedding ceremony attended by relatives and close friends.
According to El Mundo’s August 30, 2025 edition of La Otra Crónica, the July celebration followed an earlier marriage ceremony approximately two years before.
The report explained that the couple had already formalized their relationship but decided to celebrate again with their families and closest friends in 2025.
Aldama had previously discussed his engagement during a Memphis Grizzlies media event in 2023.
He explained that he had proposed to Pilar in Memphis and expressed his happiness about their decision to marry.
The couple initially planned to celebrate their wedding in 2025, a plan that eventually became reality.
On September 29, 2025, Aldama publicly referred to Pilar as his wife during the Memphis Grizzlies’ annual media day.
Speaking about his decision to remain with the franchise, he explained that both he and his wife were happy living in Memphis.
His statement provided direct public confirmation that the couple were married.
As of now, Pilar Barquín is Santi Aldama’s wife, rather than simply his girlfriend or fiancée.
Santi Aldama’s Children: Does He Have a Son or Daughter?
There is no reliable public information confirming that Santi Aldama has children. The Dallas Mavericks forward has not publicly announced the birth of a son or daughter, and his official NBA biography does not identify any children.
Although Aldama is married to Pilar Barquín, the couple have maintained considerable privacy regarding their family plans.
Neither has made a widely verified public announcement confirming that they have welcomed a child together.
Most public reporting about their relationship has focused on their engagement, marriage, shared life in Memphis and appearances during the NBA offseason.
As of now, Santi Aldama has no publicly confirmed children. However, the absence of public reporting does not establish details about aspects of his private life that he and his wife have chosen not to disclose.
Santi Aldama’s Parents: Meet His Father and Mother
Santi Aldama’s parents are Santiago Aldama Alesón and María Isabel Toledo Jiménez, commonly known as Eli Toledo.
Both come from families closely connected to Spanish basketball, and their influence helped introduce Santi to the sport during his childhood in the Canary Islands.
His father enjoyed a lengthy professional basketball career, while his mother’s brother also represented several professional clubs in Spain and other European countries.
Santi Aldama’s Father: Santiago Aldama Alesón
Santiago Aldama Alesón is Santi Aldama’s father and a former Spanish professional basketball player who competed at the highest levels of European and international basketball.
Born on December 7, 1968, in Quel, La Rioja, Spain, Santiago developed his basketball skills through the youth system of CAI Zaragoza.
Standing approximately 2.13 meters (7 feet) tall, he played primarily as a center throughout his professional career.
He began competing in Spain’s top basketball division during the late 1980s and subsequently represented several well-known clubs.
Among the teams he played for were CAI Zaragoza, CB Valladolid, CB Gran Canaria and FC Porto in Portugal.
One of his significant domestic achievements came in 1990, when he helped CAI Zaragoza win the Spanish Copa del Rey.
He also represented the Spanish national basketball team, earning opportunities to compete internationally against some of the world’s leading players.
His most memorable international appearance came during the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona.
At the tournament, Santiago was part of the Spanish national team that competed against the United States’ famous Dream Team, featuring Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and several other NBA legends.
Although Spain did not achieve a medal-winning finish, the tournament remains an important part of the country’s basketball history.
Santiago continued playing professionally until the early 2000s, completing a career that lasted more than 15 years.
His experience became particularly valuable when his son began showing an interest in basketball.
During his childhood, Santi regularly accompanied his father to basketball facilities and became familiar with the sport through family activities.
In a 2023 NBA.com feature, Aldama explained that he had already started playing with a miniature basketball hoop when he was approximately three years old.
He also recalled wanting to participate in basketball games with older children, something his father encouraged as he developed.
Although Santiago understood the demands of professional basketball, he did not insist that his son follow the same career path.
Instead, he encouraged Santi to enjoy the game, develop his abilities and learn from his mistakes.
His guidance extended to important educational decisions.
When Santi received interest from universities in the United States, Santiago helped him evaluate his options and accompanied him during his visit to Loyola University Maryland.
Santi eventually decided to join Loyola, where he developed into an outstanding college basketball player.
In July 2021, Santiago joined other family members in celebrating his son’s selection in the first round of the NBA Draft.
Today, father and son share the distinction of having represented Spain at the Olympic Games, with Santiago participating in Barcelona in 1992 and Santi competing at Paris 2024.
Santi Aldama’s Mother: María Isabel “Eli” Toledo Jiménez
Santi Aldama’s mother is María Isabel Toledo Jiménez, widely known as Eli Toledo.
She is from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and belongs to a family with important connections to Spanish professional basketball.
Her brother, Santiago Toledo, commonly known as Santi Toledo, was also a professional basketball player who represented teams in Spain, Portugal and Italy.
This sporting background meant that basketball was already an important part of the family before Santi Aldama was born.
Eli married Santiago Aldama Alesón, whose professional playing career brought him to several cities throughout Spain and Portugal.
The family eventually established its home in Gran Canaria, where their son was born in January 2001.
During his childhood, Santi grew up surrounded by people who understood the demands of competitive basketball.
His mother’s family contributed to that environment through its connection to professional basketball.
Although Eli has generally maintained a private life outside her son’s career, she has supported his educational and sporting development.
When Santi chose to pursue college basketball in the United States instead of immediately joining a professional club in Spain, his parents supported the decision.
They valued the opportunity for him to continue his education while competing in NCAA Division I basketball.
In a Loyola University Maryland feature published in 2023, the university described how Santi celebrated his NBA Draft selection in the presence of his parents, brother, relatives and friends.
The occasion reflected the importance of family support throughout his development.
Additional personal information about Eli’s professional occupation and educational background has not been widely documented in reliable public sources.
As of now, she remains an important part of Santi Aldama’s family story, particularly because of her connection to the Toledo basketball family.
Santi Aldama’s Siblings: Meet His Younger Brother Miguel Aldama
Santi Aldama has one publicly documented sibling, his younger brother Miguel Aldama.
Although Miguel has maintained a lower public profile than his NBA-playing brother, Spanish basketball reporting has identified him as a member of the Aldama family.
Miguel Aldama – Santi Aldama’s Younger Brother
Miguel Aldama is Santi Aldama’s younger brother and another member of the family raised in Gran Canaria.
According to a November 2024 article by basketball writer Ramón Aymerich Villacampa, published by Tiempo de Basket, Miguel was 19 years old at the time.
This establishes that he is approximately four years younger than Santi, although his exact date of birth has not been reliably confirmed.
Like his older brother, Miguel grew up in a household strongly connected to professional basketball.
His father, Santiago Aldama Alesón, represented Spain internationally, while his maternal uncle, Santiago Toledo, also enjoyed a professional basketball career.
Growing up in this environment gave both brothers opportunities to become familiar with the sport.
However, unlike Santi, Miguel has not attracted significant coverage through an established NBA or major European professional basketball career.
There is limited reliable public information about his education, current occupation or competitive basketball activities.
One documented family moment occurred during the 2021 NBA Draft.
According to Loyola University Maryland, Santi watched the draft in Gran Canaria with his parents, brother and other relatives.
When the Utah Jazz selected him with the 30th overall pick before his draft rights were traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, the family celebrated the achievement together.
Miguel was among the close family members who shared in that important moment.
As of now, Miguel Aldama remains Santi’s only publicly identified sibling. There is no reliable confirmation that the NBA player has any sisters or additional brothers.
Santi Aldama’s Uncle: Meet Former Basketball Player Santiago Toledo
Another important member of Santi Aldama’s extended family is his maternal uncle, Santiago Toledo, also known as Santi Toledo.
He is the brother of Aldama’s mother, María Isabel Toledo Jiménez, and a former professional basketball player.
During his career, Toledo competed for several teams in Spain and abroad, including clubs in Portugal and Italy.
His professional career added another important sporting influence to the Aldama household.
Both Santi’s father and uncle helped introduce him to basketball from an early age.
In interviews, Aldama has explained that he frequently attended basketball activities involving his relatives and wanted to participate even when he was much younger than the other children.
As he grew older, his father and uncle helped him develop his understanding of the game.
They encouraged regular practice, technical improvement and confidence without placing excessive pressure on him to become a professional player.
The experience of having two former professional players in his immediate family gave Aldama access to guidance that many young basketball players do not receive.
How Santi Aldama’s Family Influenced His NBA Career
Santi Aldama’s family played a central role in his journey from a young basketball enthusiast in Gran Canaria to an established NBA professional.
Having a father who represented Spain at the Olympics and an uncle who played professional basketball created a strong foundation for his early development.
He began playing basketball as a child and joined Canterbury Basketball Academy in Las Palmas.
During his youth career, Aldama attracted attention because of his height, shooting ability, ball-handling skills and versatility.
Although several prominent Spanish basketball clubs expressed interest in signing him, he chose to continue his development in Gran Canaria.
His family supported that decision because it allowed him to remain in a familiar environment while continuing his education.
In 2019, Aldama helped Spain win the FIBA Under-18 European Championship in Greece.
He was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player after averaging 18.0 points and 7.6 rebounds per game.
That achievement strengthened his reputation as one of the country’s most promising young players.
Rather than immediately joining a major European professional club, Aldama decided to pursue college basketball at Loyola University Maryland.
During his sophomore season in 2020–21, he averaged 21.2 points, 10.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.
His performances helped Loyola reach the Patriot League Tournament championship game and attracted interest from NBA scouts.
He subsequently declared for the 2021 NBA Draft.
On July 29, 2021, Aldama was selected with the 30th overall pick by the Utah Jazz before his rights were traded to the Memphis Grizzlies.
He became Loyola University Maryland’s first first-round NBA Draft selection.
After arriving in Memphis, Aldama gradually developed into an important member of the Grizzlies’ rotation.
During the 2024–25 NBA season, he averaged 12.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game, demonstrating his growing offensive versatility.
In July 2025, he signed a three-year contract worth approximately $52.5 million to remain with Memphis.
However, his time with the franchise ended in July 2026, when he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks as part of a multi-team transaction.
The move gave him an opportunity to begin another chapter of his NBA career alongside several talented players.
Throughout his development, Aldama has continued to acknowledge the importance of his family, whose basketball experience and encouragement helped him progress to the professional level.
Frequently Asked Questions About Santi Aldama’s Family
Who is Santi Aldama’s wife?
Santi Aldama’s wife is Pilar Barquín, a Spanish woman who studied Law and International Relations at Universidad Pontificia Comillas and later continued her education at the University of Memphis. The couple celebrated their marriage with family and friends in July 2025.
Who is Santi Aldama’s girlfriend?
Pilar Barquín was Santi Aldama’s longtime girlfriend before becoming his wife. Their relationship has been publicly documented since the early 2020s.
When did Santi Aldama get married?
Santi Aldama and Pilar Barquín celebrated a wedding ceremony on July 12, 2025. According to El Mundo, the celebration followed an earlier marriage ceremony approximately two years before.
Does Santi Aldama have children?
Santi Aldama has no publicly confirmed children. Neither he nor his wife, Pilar Barquín, has made a widely verified announcement about having a son or daughter.
Who are Santi Aldama’s parents?
His parents are Santiago Aldama Alesón, a former Spanish professional basketball player and Olympian, and María Isabel Toledo Jiménez, also known as Eli Toledo.
Who is Santi Aldama’s father?
His father is Santiago Aldama Alesón, who played professional basketball in Spain and Portugal and represented Spain at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona.
Who is Santi Aldama’s mother?
His mother is María Isabel “Eli” Toledo Jiménez, whose brother, Santiago Toledo, also played professional basketball in Europe.
Does Santi Aldama have a brother?
Yes. Santi Aldama has a younger brother named Miguel Aldama, who was identified as 19 years old in Spanish basketball reporting published in November 2024.
Does Santi Aldama have a sister?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Santi Aldama has a sister. His only publicly documented sibling is his younger brother Miguel.
Who is Santi Aldama’s uncle?
His maternal uncle is Santiago “Santi” Toledo, a former professional basketball player who competed in Spain, Portugal and Italy.
Did Santi Aldama’s father play in the NBA?
No. Santiago Aldama Alesón was a professional basketball player in Europe and represented Spain internationally, including at the 1992 Olympics, but he did not establish an NBA playing career.
Where is Santi Aldama from?
Santi Aldama was born on January 10, 2001, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain. He grew up in the Canary Islands before attending Loyola University Maryland in the United States.
How old is Santi Aldama?
Santi Aldama was born on January 10, 2001, making him 25 years old as of October 2026.
Which NBA team does Santi Aldama play for?
Santi Aldama plays for the Dallas Mavericks. He joined the franchise in July 2026 after spending his first five NBA seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Orlando Bloom is a sports journalist and analyst specializing in in-depth NBA coverage, tactical breakdowns, and advanced player analytics. With a passion for professional basketball, he covers everything from trade deadline maneuvers and Draft prospects to team strategies and league-wide trends. Combining detailed stat analysis with game context, Orlando delivers sharp insights and compelling stories for avid basketball fans and casual followers alike.
