Iker Casillas

Iker Casillas Fernández was born on May 20, 1981, in Móstoles, Spain. He grew up to become one of the most successful and iconic goalkeepers in the history of football. Casillas spent the majority of his career playing for Real Madrid and is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. His career achievements include winning the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA European Championship, and multiple UEFA Champions League titles.

On September 12, 1999, Iker Casillas made his first-team debut for Real Madrid in a La Liga match against Athletic Bilbao at the San Mamés Stadium. Making his debut at just 18 years old, Casillas quickly established himself as a reliable shot-stopper and went on to have an illustrious career with the Madrid-based club, winning numerous league titles and Champions League trophies.

Iker Casillas was part of the Real Madrid team that won the UEFA Champions League on May 24, 2000. The final, held at the Stade de France in Paris, saw Real Madrid defeat Valencia 3-0. Although Casillas was not the starting goalkeeper in the final, his presence in the squad was indicative of his rising importance to the team. It was the beginning of a new era of success for Casillas and Real Madrid.

On June 29, 2008, Iker Casillas captained the Spanish national team to victory in the UEFA European Championship held in Austria and Switzerland. In the final, Spain defeated Germany 1-0, securing their first major tournament victory in 44 years. As captain, Casillas was instrumental in Spain's success throughout the tournament, displaying exceptional performances in goal and solidifying his reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

Iker Casillas led Spain as captain to their first FIFA World Cup title on July 11, 2010. The tournament, held in South Africa, culminated in a dramatic final where Spain defeated the Netherlands 1-0, thanks to a goal by Andrés Iniesta in extra time. Casillas was a key figure in Spain's victory, making crucial saves throughout the tournament, including in the final, earning him the prestigious Golden Glove award as the tournament's best goalkeeper.

On July 1, 2012, Iker Casillas once again captained Spain to European glory, as they won the UEFA Euro 2012 tournament. The final, held at the Olympic Stadium in Kyiv, saw Spain deliver a resounding 4-0 victory over Italy. Casillas's leadership and goalkeeping prowess were instrumental in Spain's dominant performance throughout the tournament, and this victory cemented Spain's era of international football dominance, achieving an unprecedented treble of tournament wins.

After a legendary career at Real Madrid, Iker Casillas transferred to Portuguese club FC Porto on July 11, 2015. The move marked the end of a 25-year journey with Real Madrid, during which Casillas made over 700 appearances for the club and won numerous honors. At FC Porto, Casillas continued to display his unparalleled goalkeeping skills, contributing to the team's successes in domestic and European competitions.

On May 1, 2019, Iker Casillas suffered a heart attack during a training session with FC Porto. He received immediate medical attention and was hospitalized, but fortunately, he recovered quickly. The incident was a significant health scare and led Casillas to eventually retire from professional football. His recovery was widely followed and supported by fans and fellow athletes around the world.

On February 17, 2020, Iker Casillas officially announced his retirement from professional football. This decision came after careful consideration following his heart attack in 2019. Casillas left behind a remarkable legacy as one of football's greatest goalkeepers, with numerous titles and records to his name. After retirement, he expressed interest in taking on roles within football management and administration.

Iker Casillas was inducted into the Real Madrid Hall of Fame on December 1, 2021. This honor recognized his extraordinary contributions to the club over his long and successful career. As one of Real Madrid's most iconic players, Casillas's induction was a testament to his achievements, leadership, and the respect he earned from fans and peers. The ceremony celebrated his legacy as a legendary goalkeeper and a symbol of Real Madrid's history.