Real Madrid

Realmadrid.com continues its 'Iker for the Balon d'Or' initiative and asks that Madridistas from around the world send in their reasons explaining why Iker Casillas should be crowned footballer of the year.

For always being the best
"He's the best goalkeeper ever. Why don't goalkeepers ever win. He's much more than just a goalkeeper."
Grzegorz Machowski (Poland)

For his intuition
"There's no keeper like him. No one has his intution. He is a master of intuition. He knows where the ball is going to go and knows how to read plays like none other."
Carlos Manuel Ruiz (Nicaragua)

For his humility
"Iker Casillas deserves the Balon d'Or because he is so humble. Despite been at the pinnacle based on achievements, he is still himself and he continues recognizing the importance of his teammates."
Sara Leonor Montano (El Salvador)

For his teamwork
"He deserves the Balon d'Or becuase he always works quietly for the team, which is how you are successful."
Yeimy R. Villalta M. (Costa Rica)

The reason for success
"He's the main reason Spain won the Euro and Real Madrid won the league." 
Robin Rossheim (Sweden)

Role model on and off the pitch
"He deserves the Balon d'Or more than anyone else because he's the best footballer there is and because he's the ideal athlete on and off the pitch." 
Rghif Mohamed (Morocco)

He is essential
"He's Mister Essential. A real heo. A symbol of Real Madrid and one-of-a-kind player." 
Muyowa Mutemwa (South Africa)

Simply the best
"He deserves the Balon d'Or because he's the best goalkeeper in the world."
Familia Bonilla (Honduras) 

Honesty
"Iker has proven to be honest, reliabel, and humble on and off the pitch, and his list of accomplishments speaks for itself."
Vinicio Subuyuj (Guatemala)

His numbers
"His numbers say it all, but he's also a great person."
José Rubio (France)

He is a motivator
"I am impressed with Iker's Euro performance. He's the team's biggest motivator; an example for everyone."
Taiwo Odetayo (England) 

His elegance
"For his elegance, tenacity, harmony, calmness, coordination. For his relationship with his teammates, the way he fights until the end of each match, and his passion for the national team and Real Madrid."
Nicola Lamattina (Venezuela)

Perfection
"He's the only player in the world who is perfect in each and every match he plays."
Klintari Elsa (Greece)

Humility and nobility
"He's a phenom with a tremendous gift which makes him the best goalkeeper in the world. Every kid who plays between the three posts wants to be Iker Casillas."
Jorge García Velasco (Mexico)

Talent and commitment
"He is very humble and always shows he is passionate about football. He has always been mature for his age and he doesn't back down when confronted with new challenges. He's a natural leader."
Lumi Nivaro (Finland)

If he doesn't win, nobody should
"He's always there when needed. He stops the most impossible shots. He never misses and I'm proud to have him as a keeper and captain."
Daniela Pino (Chile)

He is an idol for young and old
"He can be described as a fighter, unbeatable, warrior, security, good teammate (teaching and advising kids), and he feels triumphs like none other."
Sairely Gonzalez (Venezuela)

For being a leader and a legend
"His reflexes are astounding. He's fast and agile. He's done a lot for his country and his club. He deserves worldwide recognition."
Wesley Kruller (Netherlands)

His responsibility
"Iker doesn't deserve the award because of these six matches with Spain, but because of his entire career. Many clubs would like to have him as a keeper, but fortunately he plays for us. Balon d'Or, Platinum Hands."
Dorly Marinska (Italy)

He's a unique footballer
"A Balon d'Or winner is the footballer who makes a difference based on his qualities, and Iker Casillas has proven that he's a unique athlete both past and present."
J. Miguel D. Lobato (Australia)

His discretion
"He acts like a leader and is a leader. He's an incredible athlete and does his job perfectly. He is very discrete, and a role model."
Nada Ghaida (Indonesia)

He is a leader
"He's a leader in the club, a point of reference for his admirers, and the captains of the 2008 European champions."
Khaloui Younes (Algeria)

He iss everyone's envy
"He never gets tired of playing and is every goalkeeper's envy. His saves are excellent and he controls the ball with perfection."
Emmanuel Osei Boadu (Ghana)

His security
"He provides security for his team and the national team. He is very sure-handed and never looks nervous."
Belliny Sánchez (United States)

His titles
"I have never seen anyone like Iker. He's won so many titles, especially in 2008, that he is the best Balon d'Or candidate."
Kartikeyan Mahadevan (India)

He's a genius
"He's the only player who maintained his form all season. He is brave, a fighter, humble, and deserves it all."
Wadhah Al-Shemmary (Iraq)

His honours and accolades
"It's about time they give it to a Spaniard, and who better than Casillas? He's won everything at club level and now the European Championship."
Francisco García (Switzerland) 

His excellent performance
"He deserves to be recognized because his performances have been vital for his team this year and in the past.".
Ahmed Mohammed (Bahrain)

The way he plays is enough to see he is the best
"Anyone who has seen him play since he debuted with Real Madrid knows that he deserves it. Whoever disagrees hasn't seen him in action"
Chrispus Chula (Kenya)

His agility
"His agility is the reason he was the Euro and league champion. It's about time they recognize him. He's a natural leader who is also well-grounded."
Ivette (Panama)

The times he has saved his team
"On many occasions, Iker has saved Real Madrid or the Spanish national team from losing a match. You have to be blind in order not to recognize that he is the best."
David (Israel)

He supports players and fans
"He adds the magic touch his team needs. His support for other players and fans is unmistakable."
Giovanny Silva (Colombia)

Now or never
"If Iker Casillas doesn't win the Balon d'Or now, no goalkeeper will ever win it."
Karwan Zarifnejad (Sweden)

His image transcends language and borders
"He's a goodwill ambassador for the UN. His charisma. His image transcends language and borders. His social work is an example for youth."
Mario Gómez-Hernández (Texas, USA)

He makes the difference
"A Balon d'Or winner is a player whose skills make the difference and makes sure his team wins or at least doesn't lose. Iker plays a huge role in the final result."
J. Miguel Lobato (Australia)

He keeps his teammates motivated
"He deserves the Balon d'Or because he kept Real Madrid alive throughout the entire season and kept his teammates motivated."
Aleks Ristovski (Canada)

He has always beleived in himself
"Iker has always beleived he could become the best. Not everyone can do that because a lot of patience is required. Iker has waited a long time and accomplished it."
Rizki Fitria Ariani (Indonesia)

He has made people enjoy themselves
"Iker has made the entire world enjoy itself. Now it's time to return the favor."
Gabriela (Switzerland)

He is always there
"No other goalkeeper or player peaks like Iker in the most difficult of times. Casillas isn't just the heart of Madridistas, but that of all football lovers as well."
Imad Boumahmaza (Morocco)