Iker Casillas Bio

One of the best goalkeepers in world football, Casillas burst onto the scene as a teenager for Real Madrid and has gone on to establish himself at the top of the game.

His strong leadership skills and amazing shot stopping abilities have been tested to the fullest in Madrid's attack-minded side and he has won wide acclaim for his ability to win a match for his side from the back.

Casillas first rose through the ranks of the Real Madrid youth system having been picked up from an early age and made his debut for the first-team in the 1998-99 season.
He became the youngest-ever goalkeeper to ever play in a Champions League final when Real Madrid defeated Valencia 3-0 just four days after his 19th birthday and soon replaced German legend Bodo Illgner between the sticks.

Cementing his first-team berth, in 2001-02, a patch of bad form saw him lose his place to back-up César Sánchez, but he showed great qualities to bounce back and when he was brought on against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League final, his stunning saves won Madrid the trophy and he was roundly praised.

His commanding leadership qualities have made him well respected by team mates and fans alike and he has gone on to captain Madrid and Spain, despite his tender age.

After making his national team debut aged 19, he appeared in the Spanish squads for Euro 2000, 2002 World Cup, Euro 2004 and 2006 World Cup. But, in 2008, he got his crowning glory as he led Spain to their first European Championship in 44 years and was fourth in the 2008 Ballon d'Or voting after his shining performances.

He was named the world's best goalkeeper for 2008 by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics and also came third in the best goalkeepers of all time ranking; beating Oliver Kahn.

Linked with a move to newly-monied Premier League club Manchester City, Casillas signed a contract extension in February 2009 that will keep him at the Bernabeu until 2017 in February, but rumours still linked him with an £128m - £11m per season in wages - transfer.

Thus far, Casillas has chosen to stay and develop his career further with Real Madrid and many expect him to go and break numerous appearance and goalkeeping records for the Spanish giants.