Iker Casillas Fernández, born in 1981 in Móstoles, stands as a central figure in modern association football. Having spent 25 years at Real Madrid, he achieved the milestone of playing over 1,000 professional career matches. His career spanned decades of elite competition, including high-profile stints at Real Madrid and FC Porto before his retirement in February 2020.
Early Career and Real Madrid Debut
Casillas joined the Real Madrid youth system, La Fábrica, during the 1990–91 season. He received his first senior team call-up in November 1997. By September 1999, he made his Champions League debut against Olympiakos. In May 2000, he became the youngest goalkeeper to play in and win a Champions League final at 19 years and four days.
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During his tenure in Madrid, Casillas secured five La Liga titles, four Supercopa de España titles, two Copa del Rey titles, three UEFA Champions Leagues, two UEFA Super Cups, two Intercontinental Cups, and the FIFA Club World Cup. He famously reclaimed his starting position during the 2002 Champions League Final, executing crucial saves against Bayer Leverkusen. By February 2009, he became Real Madrid's most-capped goalkeeper.
International Competition
Casillas accumulated 167 international caps for Spain. He served as the primary goalkeeper for the 2002 World Cup and captained the team during the 2008 European Championship victory. In 2010, he led Spain to a World Cup title, earning the Yashin Award after keeping five clean sheets. He later participated in the 2014 World Cup, marking his fourth appearance in the tournament.
Porto and Retirement
In 2015, Casillas transferred to FC Porto, where he won both the Primeira Liga and the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira. During this period, he set the record for most consecutive seasons played in the UEFA Champions League and achieved 177 appearances in the competition. He concluded his career in February 2020 following a heart attack sustained during a 2019 training session.
Fast facts
- Born: 1981, Móstoles
- IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
- Bravo Award: 2000
- Golden Foot: 2017
- International caps: 167
- Total professional matches: Over 1,000
- Citizenship: Spain
Questions readers ask
Which major club titles did Iker Casillas win with Real Madrid?
He won five La Liga titles, four Supercopa de España, two Copa del Rey, three UEFA Champions Leagues, two UEFA Super Cups, two Intercontinental Cups, and the FIFA Club World Cup.
When did Casillas retire from professional football?
He ended his playing career in February 2020.
Achievements
- Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sports Merit
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Sports Merit
- 2010 FIFA World Cup
- 2002 FIFA World Cup
- 2014 FIFA World Cup
- 2006 FIFA World Cup
