Iker Casillas Biography

Widely known as San Iker, Iker Casillas is widely considered one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. The former Spanish goalkeeper was known for his extraordinary shot-stopping ability and quick reactions. During his professional career, the legend served

more than any other club. The great goalkeeper Iker Casillas is one of the few footballers who played more than 1000 times. 

Iker Casillas started his football with the Real Madrid youth team, and he joined the first team very soon. In 1999, he appeared in the final of the Champions League, becoming the youngest goalkeeper to play in this competition. At the age of 19, the goalkeeper won the Champions League title. Soon, he became Real Madrid's first goalkeeper, winning two Champions Leagues and La Liga titles in his first three seasons.

During 25 years in Los Blancos, the great goalkeeper won all major titles, such as five La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions League titles. After 25 years, in 2015, San Iker left the Whites and joined

on a free transfer. During five years in the Dragons, he won one Primeira Liga title and a Supertaca Candido de Oliveira title. In February 2020, Iker Casillas ended his career after a year away from football due to a heart attack. 

At the international level, the legend goalkeeper is the second most capped player in

's national team history with 167 international caps. The great Iker Casillas won many titles during his playing time, including IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper (five times), and was named the second-best goalkeeper of the 21st century. 

Now we have a set of general information about Iker Casillas's professional career. Stay tuned to read more about the Spanish legend.

Related Article:

Everything you Need to Know about Iker Casillas

Let’s take a close look at Iker Casillas biography, which includes his career and personal life. In the following article, we will present you with all the detailed information about Iker Casillas, one of the best goalkeepers of all time.

Iker Casillas Information

Sportmob's article on

Iker Casillas biography

will start with some general information about Iker Casillas physical stats and football information.

Iker Casillas Bio

• Full Name:

  Iker Casillas Fernandez

• Nickname:

  The Saint, San Iker

• Profession:

  Retired professional footballer

Iker Casillas Physical Stats

• Height:

  182

• Eye Color:

  Brown

• Hair Color:

  Brown

Weight:

84 

Iker Casillas Football Information

• Positon:

  Goalkeeper

• Professional Debut:

  12 September 1999

Jersey Number:

1

Iker Casillas Date of Birth and Personal Info

• Date of Birth:

  20 May 1981

• Birth Place:

  Mostoles, Spain

• Zodiac Sign:

  Taurus

• Nationality:

  Spanish

Related Article:

Iker Casillas Early Life

In this part of our article on

Iker Casillas biography

, we will review some facts about

Iker Casillas childhood

and family facts, from his early days to the time he became famous.

Iker Casillas date of birth

is 20 May 1981, in Mostoles, Spain, and also

Iker Casillas nationality

is Spanish. The Spaniard goalkeeper was born into a middle-class family with one brother, who is seven years younger than him.

Iker Casillas religion

is catholic.

Iker's father, Jose Luis Casillas, was a teacher, and Maria del Carmen, his mother, was a hairdresser. Before Iker was born, his family emigrated from their home in Navalacruz, Avila, to Mastolles. Jose Luis was a big fan of football even before Iker Casillas was born, and due to his father's request, he chose goalkeeper post, although he dreamed of being a goalkeeper since he was four years old.

When he played football with his friends in their neighborhood, he always chose the position of goalkeeper. His father was a big fan of

, and Iker usually watched the club's play in Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid's stadium. 

When he was 9-10, Iker went to Santiago Bernabeu with his father for a test, which he passed. A funny thing that happened to Casillas as a child is that he forgot to post his father's predictions' letter, which Jose Luis correctly predicted all 14 matches requested.

His father would not have lost one million euros if Iker had not forgotten to post that letter. "Nah, it wasn't a big deal, just a bit stupid; it happens. The money would have been handy, but he doesn't talk about it much anymore," said Iker. 

Related Article: 

Iker Casillas Profile

In this section of Sportmob's article of Iker Casillas bio, we will present you with Iker Casillas's profile, includes his style of play, goal celebration, and reception. During the 1990–91 season, Iker Casillas started his football with La Fabrica, Real Madrid youth system. Soon at the age of 16, he was invited to the Whites senior side for the UEFA Champions League match against Rosenborg, although he just warmed the bench.

Finally, on 15 September 1999, in the group stage of 1999–2000 UEFA Champions League, he played for the first time for Los Blancos senior side against Olympiakos, becoming the youngest goalkeeper ever to play in the competition at the time. Later, Mile Svilar broke Casilla's record in October 2017.

On 12 September 1999, the Saint made his La Liga debut against Athletic Bilbao, and he just made one or two mistakes, which was a good record for a young goalkeeper. In the 2001–02 campaign, after Casillas's poor performances, Cesar Sanchez became the Whites' first goalkeeper.

One of his best seasons at Real Madrid was the 2007–08 season as Iker Casillas helped win their 31st La Liga title. In that season, the legend conceded only 32 times in 36 games, leading the club to extend his contract until 2017. In February 2009, Casillas reached the record of 454 games played for a goalkeeper, and he equaled Paco Buyo; during the 2009 summer, many big clubs such as

and

wanted to make an offer to Iker Casillas but he didn't want to leave his boyhood club.

The next season with the departure of Raul and Guti, the first and second captains of the Whites, the goalkeeper became Real Madrid's first captain. The following season he won the IFFHS Best Goalkeeper award and became the second goalkeeper (behind

) to win the titles four times. It's worth mentioning that he is the only keeper to win the title four times in a row.

With the arrival of Jose Mourinho, Iker Casillas lost his place as a regular player. On 22 December 2012, the Portuguese coach dropped Casillas for a Liga match against

. It was the beginning of the dispute between the goalkeeper and the manager.

San Iker won the IFFHS Best Goalkeeper Award five times in a row, and he became the only goalkeeper in history to win the title five times in a row. After the Spanish goalkeeper's severe injuries, Mourinho brought Diego Lopez to Santiago Bernabeu and chose him as the first goalkeeper. 

In the 2013–14 season, Carlo Ancelotti was appointed as the Whites' new head. Casillas made his first start in the group stage match of Champions League against Galatasaray. In the Champions League and Copa del Rey, he was the Whites' first-choice goalkeeper, but in La Liga, the legend was Madrid's second-choice goalkeeper, behind Diego Lopez.

The great Casillas won La Liga title on five occasions, Copa del Rey title two times, four Supercopa de Espana titles, UEFA Champions League title on three occasions, two UEFA Super Cups, 2014 FIFA Club World Cup, two Intercontinental Cups during 25 years with the Whites. In 2015 the Real Madrid legend left the club and joined Porto.

Casillas appeared alone at the press conference and said goodbye with tears. "There was a spell when I was getting a lot of criticism, and I needed time away from that. I’m happy now, and it shows on my face. It was a tough move, but for me this is a new experience with renewed feelings of excitement." He continued: "The situation at Madrid was not the best; I was always the focus of attention, be it positive or negative, and I needed space to breathe."

Also, Gianluigi Buffon said on n Casillas's move: "You've always been a Real Madrid icon, but above all you've been one of the best representatives of our position on the pitch. Good luck in your new adventure, it'll be strange to see you in another shirt from now on. Go Iker!" Iker Casillas played 725 games for Los Blancos, conceding 750 goals and having 264 clean sheets. 

On 11 July 2015, Casillas signed with Porto and had extraordinary performances for the Blue and whites. The 2016-17 season was a fruitful season for the Spanish goalkeeper; by 16 clean sheets in the season, he set a new record. Also, winning the 2018 Primeira Liga and the 2018 Supertaca Candido.

On 1 May 2019, during training Casillas, suffered a heart attack and hospitalized. After the surgery, he tweeted: "Everything under control here, it was a big scare, but I'm feeling strong. Thanks a lot for all your messages and your support."

Due to his heart attack, the Spanish goalkeeper announced his retirement. He said: "The important thing is the path you travel, and the people who accompany you, not the destination to which it takes you. Because that with work and effort, I think I can say, without hesitation, that is has been the path, and the dream destination." 

At the international level, he made his debut for the Spain national side on 3 June 2000 against Sweden. He represented his country at four FIFA World Cups, five UEFA Euro competitions, and two 2013 Confederations Cups, winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup and two UEFA European Championships. "From when I was small, I saw Matthaus lift it. I saw Dunga lift it, I saw Deschamps lift it, I saw Cafu lift it, Cannavaro… so to watch me lift it, I could watch it tomorrow, I could watch it within 10 years and it will always make me emotional because it's incomparable," Casillas said before pick up the World Cup trophy.

Related Article:

Style of Play

Widely considered by former and current goalkeepers as one of the best goalkeepers of all time, Iker Casillas was known for his decisive saves, consistency, shot-stopping, outstanding reflexes, concentration, and penalty-saving abilities. Iker Casillas had good diving in either direction and moved quickly. The legend, known for his ability to save the ball with his feet, has a strong personality.

The Spanish goalkeeper's leadership ability helped him to organize his defense under pressure. Although he was not tall enough for a goalkeeper position, his goalkeeping ability made him one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history. The legend could send the ball into deep spots of the pitch and distributed his ball with feet and both hands.

Related Article:

Reception

Undoubtedly Iker Casillas is regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history. Real Madrid fans never forget his penalty-saving abilities. Casillas' goalkeeping ability was always praised by former and current goalkeeping colleagues.

Gianluigi Buffon,

and

goalkeeper, said about Iker Casillas: 

"Honestly, I don't have to use up many words to say how good he is, the results are there for all to see. He has won everything there is to win and has been on the same great level for so many years now, which is possibly hardest of all for a goalkeeper. Spain almost never concede goals, and Casillas is the main reason for that."

Also, Victor Valdes said about the legend goalkeeper:

"In a team you need a goalkeeper with whom you can work and also have fun. Then you stop and think there is only one in the history of football who matches that characteristic.”

Related Article:

Iker Casillas Outside Football

Time to take a look at Iker Casillas' life outside of football includes his hobbies and favorite activities. His interest and hobbies include hanging out with his friends and family, also seeing movies. Casillas has not interested in video games. Stay tuned to read more on

Iker Casillas life story

.

Related Article:

Iker Casillas Personal Life

In this part of Sportmob's article on Iker Casillas Biography, we will bring you fascinating information about his love life, dating history, and children.

Family, Children, and Relationships

The Spanish goalkeeper started dating Eva Gonzalez, a Spanish model, in 2005, but the ex-lovebirds broke up three years later. After that, Casillas had a romantic relationship with Ana Medinabeitia, a Spanish business professional, and Ariadne Artiles, a Spanish model.

Casillas fell in love with Sara Carbonero, a Spanish sports journalist, in 2010. The lovebirds got married on 20, March 2016. Sara Carbonero was named " sexiest journalist in the world" in 2009.

In 2014, Martin, the couple's first son, was born, and two years later, Lucas, Iker, and Sara's second child were born. 

After the goalkeeper heart attack, Sara announced she had surgery to remove a malignant tumor. Sara wrote on Instagram: "When we had not yet recovered from a scare, life has surprised us again. This time it has touched me, that damned six letter word that I still have trouble writing."

"A few days ago, in a regular checkup, doctors found a malignant ovarian tumour, and I have already had surgery. Everything has gone very well. Fortunately, we have caught it in time, but I still have a few months of struggle while I continue the necessary treatment."

"I am calm, and confident that everything will turn out well. I know that the road will be hard, but also that it will have a happy ending. I count on the support of my family and friends and a great medical team."

Related Article:

Philanthropy

Iker Casillas, the former Real Madrid goalkeeper, is deputy to the Real Madrid Foundation CEO, which was established in 1997. The foundation focuses on using sport to improve the lives of youngster in Madrid and other areas. Also, the Fundacion Iker Casillas is for the legend goalkeeper.

Legal Issues

Iker Casillas is regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. The former Real Madrid goalkeeper doesn't have any legal issues record.

Related Article:

Iker Casillas Career Statistics

Now is the time to review Iker Casillas' career on the club and international level.

Club

The legend goalkeeper, widely known as one of the best keepers in football history, played more than 1,000 times for Real Madrid, Porto, and Spain national team. The legend played 725 times for the Whites, conceding 750 goals and having 264 clean sheets. In 2015 he left Madrid and joined Porto. Casillas played 156 games for Porto, conceding 116 goals and having 74 clean sheets.

International

on the international level, Iker Casillas played 167 times for Spain national team. The legend also played a total of 40 times for Spain U21, 20, 18, 17, 16.

Related Article:

Iker Casillas Honors

The last part of our article on

Iker Casillas bio

is about his honors and achievements. The Spanish goalkeeper won the La Liga title five times, Copa del Rey title on two occasions, Supercopa de Espana title four times, UEFA Champions League title on three occasions, two UEFA Super Cups, 2014 FIFA Club World Cup, two Intercontinental Cups during 25 years with the Whites.

The great Iker Casillas won the 2018 Primeira Liga and the 2018 Supertaca Candido with Porto. Iker Casillas won the 2010 FIFA World Cup and 2008 2012 UEFA European Championship with Spain's national side. 

His notable individual achievements are La Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year (2000), La Liga Zamora Trophy (2007-08), La Liga Best Goalkeeper (two times), La Liga Fair Play Award (2012-13), Primeira Liga Best Goalkeeper (2018-19), Primeira Liga Team of the Year (2018-19), 2010 Best European Goalkeeper, IFFHS World's Best Goalkeeper (five times), and 2017 Golden Foot.

The Saint also holds many records including, most appearances in the UEFA Champions League (177 times), most clean sheets in the UEFA Champions League (57), and the first goalkeeper to win 100 Champions League matches.

How did you like our article on Iker Casillas Biography? Which part did you like the most? Comment down your views.

Read more: 

Follow 

 for the