Iker Casillas
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| Iker Casillas | |
|---|---|
| Name | Iker Casillas |
| Caption | Casillas in 2010 |
| Birth date | 20 May 1981 |
| Birth place | Móstoles, Madrid, Spain |
| Height | 1.85 m |
| Position | Goalkeeper |
| Youthyears1 | 1990–1998 |
| Youthclubs1 | Real Madrid |
| Years1 | 1999–2015 |
| Clubs1 | Real Madrid B → Real Madrid |
| Caps1 | 510 |
| Years2 | 2015–2020 |
| Clubs2 | FC Porto |
| Caps2 | 116 |
| Nationalyears1 | 1996 |
| Nationalteam1 | Spain U15 |
| Nationalyears2 | 1996–1998 |
| Nationalteam2 | Spain U16 |
| Nationalcaps2 | 19 |
| Nationalyears3 | 1997–1999 |
| Nationalteam3 | Spain U17 |
| Nationalcaps3 | 10 |
| Nationalyears4 | 1999 |
| Nationalteam4 | Spain U18 |
| Nationalyears5 | 1999 |
| Nationalteam5 | Spain U20 |
| Nationalyears6 | 1999–2000 |
| Nationalteam6 | Spain U21 |
| Nationalyears7 | 2000–2016 |
| Nationalteam7 | Spain |
| Nationalcaps7 | 167 |
| Medaltemplates | ESP Men's association football W, 2002, Korea/Japan 2002 W, 2010, South Africa 2010 W, 2008, Austria/Switzerland 2008 W, 2012, Poland/Ukraine 2012 |
Iker Casillas is a retired Spanish professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper, widely regarded as one of the greatest in the history of the sport. He spent the majority of his illustrious club career with Real Madrid CF, where he won numerous titles including five La Liga championships and three UEFA Champions League trophies. For the Spain national football team, he was the captain and a cornerstone of the most successful era in the nation's history, winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup and two UEFA European Championship titles. Known for his leadership, reflexes, and crucial saves, his legacy is cemented as an icon of Spanish and world football.
Early life and youth career
Born in Móstoles, a municipality in the Community of Madrid, Casillas developed a passion for football from a very young age. He joined the youth academy of Real Madrid CF, known as La Fábrica, at the age of nine, progressing rapidly through the various age groups. His exceptional talent between the posts was evident early on, and he represented Spanish youth national teams at multiple levels, including the U16 side that won the 1997 UEFA European Under-16 Championship in Germany. His performances for Real Madrid's reserve team in the Segunda División B paved the way for his historic promotion to the first team.
Club career
Casillas made his first-team debut for Real Madrid CF in 1999 under manager John Toshack, quickly establishing himself as a prodigious talent. He became the youngest goalkeeper to play in a UEFA Champions League final when Real Madrid CF won the 2000 UEFA Champions League Final against Valencia CF in Paris. Over 16 seasons with the senior side, he amassed over 700 official appearances, winning five La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey trophies, four Supercopa de España crowns, three UEFA Champions League titles, one UEFA Super Cup, and two Intercontinental Cups. In 2015, he transferred to Primeira Liga club FC Porto, where he won two Primeira Liga championships and a Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira before retiring in 2020.
International career
Casillas made his senior debut for the Spain national football team in 2000 and soon became the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper. He was part of the squad at the 2002 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2004, but his defining era began with his appointment as captain under manager Luis Aragonés. He led Spain to victory at UEFA Euro 2008, making critical saves in the quarter-final penalty shootout against Italy. As captain, he then lifted the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, keeping five clean sheets, and secured a historic second consecutive European title at UEFA Euro 2012. With 167 caps, he held the record for the most appearances for Spain for many years and also served as captain of the UEFA Euro 2012 Team of the Tournament.
Style of play and legacy
Renowned for his extraordinary reflexes, agility, and shot-stopping ability, particularly in one-on-one situations, Casillas was a quintessential modern goalkeeper. He was exceptionally quick off his line, possessed strong leadership qualities, and was adept at organizing his defense. His legacy is defined by his role as the last line of defense for the greatest Spain national football team in history and his longevity and success at the pinnacle of club football with Real Madrid CF. He received numerous individual accolades, including being named to the FIFA FIFPro World XI five times and the UEFA Team of the Year six times.
Personal life
Casillas was born to José Luis Casillas, a civil servant in the Community of Madrid, and María del Carmen Fernández González. He has been in a long-term relationship with Spanish journalist Sara Carbonero, and the couple has two sons. In May 2019, he suffered an acute myocardial infarction during a training session with FC Porto, which ultimately contributed to his decision to retire from professional play. He is known for his philanthropic work, particularly as a UNICEF ambassador and through his own foundation.
Post-playing career
Following his retirement in August 2020, Casillas initially took on an advisory role within the board of directors at FC Porto. He has also been active with the Real Madrid CF foundation and in various charitable initiatives. In 2021, he was appointed as the assistant to the president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation for the area of the national team. He has also worked as a football analyst for Spanish television and remains a prominent global ambassador for the sport.
Category:Spanish footballers Category:Real Madrid CF players Category:FC Porto players Category:Spain international footballers