NEWS | 10/11/2015 | PHOTOGRAPHER: Diego Crespo / Presidencia del Gobierno
"I hope that when my playing career comes to an end I'm not only remembered for my sporting achievements", declared the goalkeeper.Iker Casillas was awarded with Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Sports Merit (Gran Cruz de la Real Orden del Mérito Deportivo) during a ceremony held in the Palace of Moncloa. The Spanish Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, presented him with Spain's highest sporting honour.
This medal is given to “those who have distinguished themselves playing sport, promoting and teaching physical education, or those who have providing outstanding services in the research, dissemination, organisation and development of physical activities and sport”. The awarding of the Grand Cross is granted by Royal Decree in accordance with the Council of Ministers.
Casillas: "I'm filled with happiness"
"I would like to thank the Spanish government for presenting me with this medal. I'm not sure I deserve it, but I'm filled me with happiness. I dedicate this decoration to the people who have helped me over the course of my career, but in particular my wife, Sara, and my son Martín. I hope that when my playing career comes to an end I'm not only remembered for my sporting achievements, but also for helping and giving back to society everything I've been given".
An incredible trophy collection
Casillas is among Real Madrid's all-time greatest players, having won 3 European Cups, 1 Club World Cup, 2 Intercontinental Cups, 2 European Super Cups, 5 La Liga titles, 2 Copa del Rey trophies and 4 Spanish Super Cups during his 16 seasons with the first team. Complementing his incredible trophy collection as a Real Madrid player are the World Cup and 2 European Championship titles he won with the Spanish national team.
This medal is given to “those who have distinguished themselves playing sport, promoting and teaching physical education, or those who have providing outstanding services in the research, dissemination, organisation and development of physical activities and sport”. The awarding of the Grand Cross is granted by Royal Decree in accordance with the Council of Ministers.
Casillas: "I'm filled with happiness"
"I would like to thank the Spanish government for presenting me with this medal. I'm not sure I deserve it, but I'm filled me with happiness. I dedicate this decoration to the people who have helped me over the course of my career, but in particular my wife, Sara, and my son Martín. I hope that when my playing career comes to an end I'm not only remembered for my sporting achievements, but also for helping and giving back to society everything I've been given".
An incredible trophy collection
Casillas is among Real Madrid's all-time greatest players, having won 3 European Cups, 1 Club World Cup, 2 Intercontinental Cups, 2 European Super Cups, 5 La Liga titles, 2 Copa del Rey trophies and 4 Spanish Super Cups during his 16 seasons with the first team. Complementing his incredible trophy collection as a Real Madrid player are the World Cup and 2 European Championship titles he won with the Spanish national team.