Legendary keeper Iker Casillas, one of the greatest to ever play his position, officially announced his retirement on Tuesday. The former Real Madrid and Spain captain ends a career that spanned over two decades in which he captured the most prized trophies in the world.
Lo importante es el camino que recorres y la gente que te acompaña, no el destino al que te lleva, porque eso con trabajo y esfuerzo, llega solo y creo que puedo decir, sin dudar, que ha sido el camino y el destino soñado #Grac1as pic.twitter.com/xb8ucs9REh
— Iker Casillas (@IkerCasillas) August 4, 2020
“The important thing is the path you travel and the people who accompany you, not where it takes you, because that with work and effort comes on its own,” Casillas said on Twitter. “I think I can say, without hesitation, that the path I have taken is the one I dreamt about.”
Casillas, 39, hadn’t played since suffering a heart attack during training last year. His contract with Porto ended on July 1 after five years.
Casillas made his mark with Real Madrid and the Spanish national team. Having coming through Real Madrid’s youth system, Casillas made 725 appearances for the club over 16 seasons, helping win five LaLiga titles and three Champions Leagues, along with 11 other trophies.
“The best goalkeeper in the history of Real Madrid and Spanish football joined us at the age of 9,” Real Madrid said in a statement on Tuesday. “He was formed here and defended our shirt for 25 years, becoming one of our most emblematic captains of all time. Iker Casillas earned the love of madridismo and is a symbol of the values that Real Madrid represents.”
Real Madrid released a highlight reel celebrating the talismanic keeper’s career. It’s nearly eight minutes of non-stop, mind-boggling saves accompanied by music so compelling you’ll do well not to shed a tear in memory of one of the greatest to ever play the game. The video starts with the fresh-faced teen making his debut with Real Madrid and continues through his time with Porto.
Paradas. Muchas paradas.
Títulos. Muchos títulos.
@IkerCasillas#RealMadrid | #Grac1as pic.twitter.com/aKbOrS1KBE— Real Madrid C.F. (34) (@realmadrid) August 4, 2020
Based on that epic compilation, I don’t think Casillas allowed a single goal in his entire career.
Perhaps his most memorable save of them all came in the 2010 World Cup final. Arjen Robben, at the time one of the most terrifying wingers in the world, had managed to break free of the Spanish defense. Bearing down on Casillas in a one-on-one, the Spaniard came out on top to keep the match scoreless, setting up Spain’s dramatic win in extra time. Casillas also helped Spain win the 2008 and 2012 Euros.
Casillas retires holding the record for most appearances (177) and most clean sheets (57) in Champions League history.
Information from Reuters was used in this report.
