Iker Casillas Fernández, born on May 20, 1981, in Móstoles, Spain, is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history. Known for his exceptional reflexes, leadership, and consistency, Casillas has left an indelible mark on both club and international football.
Early Life and Education
Casillas was born to José Luis Casillas, a civil servant in the Ministry of Education, and María del Carmen Fernández González, a hairdresser. Both parents hailed from Navalacruz, Ávila, before settling in Móstoles. He has a younger brother, Unai, who also pursued football, playing as a central midfielder for CD Móstoles.
From a young age, Casillas exhibited a passion for football. His early experiences in Bilbao, due to his family’s connections, exposed him to the sport’s rich culture. A memorable incident from his childhood involved forgetting to submit his father’s football predictions, which would have won the family an estimated €1.2 million. This event, while unfortunate, highlighted the central role football played in his upbringing.
Casillas joined Real Madrid’s youth academy, La Fábrica, in 1990. Balancing his education with rigorous training, he showcased exceptional talent, quickly ascending through the ranks. His commitment to both academics and football laid a strong foundation for his future endeavors.
Personal Life
Between 2004 and 2008, Casillas was in a relationship with beauty pageant winner Eva González. In 2009, he began dating sports journalist Sara Carbonero. The couple welcomed their first son, Martín, on January 3, 2014, in Madrid. Their second son, Lucas, was born on June 2, 2016. Casillas and Carbonero married on March 20, 2016. In March 2021, they announced their separation after over a decade together.
In May 2019, during a training session with FC Porto, Casillas suffered a heart attack and was promptly hospitalized. He recovered and expressed gratitude for the support he received. Shortly after, it was revealed that Carbonero was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, adding to the challenges the family faced during that period.
In early 2025, Casillas addressed media reports linking him to Claudia Bavel, a former adult entertainment actress. He expressed his displeasure with the intrusion into his private life and emphasized his commitment to maintaining personal boundaries. Casillas stated, “I have never negotiated my private life with the media and I will not allow any lack of respect.”
Family
Casillas’s family has been a pillar of support throughout his career. His parents, José Luis and María del Carmen, instilled in him the values of hard work and humility. His brother, Unai, shared his passion for football, and their bond strengthened through their mutual love for the sport.
His relationship with Sara Carbonero was highly publicized, especially after a memorable on-air kiss following Spain’s 2010 World Cup victory. Despite their eventual separation, they remain committed to co-parenting their two sons, ensuring a nurturing environment for them.
Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Iker Casillas Fernández |
| Date of Birth | May 20, 1981 |
| Place of Birth | Móstoles, Spain |
| Height | 1.85 meters (6 feet 1 inch) |
| Parents | José Luis Casillas (father), María del Carmen Fernández González (mother) |
| Position | Goalkeeper |
| Youth Career | Real Madrid (1990–1999) |
| Senior Career | Real Madrid (1999–2015), FC Porto (2015–2020) |
| International | Spain U15, U16, U17, U18, U21, Senior Team (2000–2016) |
| Net Worth (2025) | Approximately $40 million |
Career
Real Madrid
Casillas’s professional debut with Real Madrid’s senior team came in 1999, making him the youngest goalkeeper to play in and win a UEFA Champions League final at 19 years and four days. Over 16 seasons, he made over 500 appearances, securing numerous titles:
- 5× La Liga titles
- 2× Copa del Rey titles
- 3× UEFA Champions League titles
- 2× Intercontinental Cups
- 1× FIFA Club World Cup
His leadership and shot-stopping abilities earned him the nickname “San Iker” (Saint Iker) among fans.
FC Porto
In 2015, Casillas transferred to FC Porto. He continued to perform at a high level, contributing to Porto’s Primeira Liga title in the 2017–2018 season. He also set records for the most consecutive seasons played in the UEFA Champions League (20) and the most appearances in the competition (177).
In May 2019, he suffered a heart attack during training, which led to a period of recovery. He officially announced his retirement from professional football in February 2020.
International Career
Casillas earned 167 caps for the Spanish national team, making him the second most capped player in Spain’s history.
He captained the team to victories in the UEFA European Championship in 2008 and 2012, and the FIFA World Cup in 2010. His leadership and crucial saves were instrumental in these triumphs.
Post-Retirement Activities
After retiring, Casillas remained active in football-related initiatives. In February 2020, he announced his intention to run for the presidency of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). He also focuses on charitable endeavors through the Fundación Iker Casillas and serves as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme’s Millennium Development Goals.
Iker Casillas’s journey from a young football enthusiast to a global icon is a testament to his talent, dedication, and resilience. His contributions to football, both on and off the field, have left an indelible mark on the sport’s history.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Iker Casillas Fernández |
| Date of Birth | May 20, 1981 |
| Place of Birth | Móstoles, Spain |
| Position | Goalkeeper |
| Youth Career | Real Madrid (1990–1999) |
| Senior Career | Real Madrid (1999–2015), FC Porto (2015–2020) |
| Total Appearances | 881 (Club) + 167 (International) |
| Goals Scored | 0 (Goalkeeper) |
| Major Trophies | 3× UEFA Champions League, 5× La Liga, 1× FIFA World Cup, 2× Euro Championships |
| International Career | Spain National Team (2000–2016) |
| Retirement | Officially retired in 2020 |
| Current Role | Football ambassador, media analyst, charity work |
Physical Appearance
Standing at 1.85 meters (6 feet 1 inch), Casillas possesses an athletic build, which, combined with his agility and sharp reflexes, made him a formidable presence in goal. His commanding stature and quick movements have been key attributes throughout his career.
Net Worth as of 2025
As of 2025, Iker Casillas’s net worth is estimated to be around $40 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his successful football career, endorsements, and various business ventures post-retirement.
Latest News
In early February 2025, Iker Casillas issued a public statement addressing recent media coverage concerning his personal life. This response came after former adult film actress Claudia Bavel appeared on the Spanish television program “De Viernes,” discussing her encounter with Casillas. Bavel claimed that Casillas had ceased communication following their meeting and labeled him as “stingy,” alleging he mentioned the possibility of having a third child. In his statement, Casillas expressed his displeasure with the invasion of his privacy, emphasizing that he has never commercialized his personal life and will not tolerate disrespect. He asserted his right to privacy and declared his intent to protect his personal life from unwarranted public scrutiny.
This incident highlights the challenges public figures face in balancing their personal privacy with media scrutiny.
Iker Casillas’s legacy in football remains unparalleled, and his post-retirement endeavors continue to reflect his dedication to the sport and personal integrity.
Social Media Accounts
| Platform | Username | Official Link |
|---|---|---|
| @IkerCasillas | https://twitter.com/IkerCasillas | |
| @ikercasillas | https://www.instagram.com/ikercasillas/ | |
| Iker Casillas Oficial | https://www.facebook.com/IkerCasillasOficial |
FAQs
- What is Iker Casillas doing now?
Casillas is involved in football administration, charity work, and media while serving as an ambassador for various organizations. - How many goals has Iker Casillas scored?
Casillas, as a goalkeeper, has never scored a professional goal in his career. - Did Casillas have a wife?
Yes, he was married to journalist Sara Carbonero from 2016 to 2021. - How many UCLs does Casillas have?
Casillas won three UEFA Champions League titles (1999–2000, 2001–02, 2013–14) with Real Madrid.
