Today marks 25 years since Casillas' debut
On 12 September 1999, the goalkeeper made his first competitive appearance for Real Madrid at San Mamés.
On this day 25 years ago, the 12th of September 1999, the greatest goalkeeper in our history played his first game for Real Madrid. Iker Casillas joined the club at 9 years old, going on to make his debut at the San Mamés at 18 years of age, in a clash with Athletic Club that finished 2-2.
In Bilbao, Casillas made the first of his 725 appearances in Real Madrid colours. The figure makes him the second all-time highest appearance-maker in the club's history, behind only Raúl (741). His incredible saves are burned into the minds of every madridista, most notably his huge interventions in the final that yielded La Novena against Bayer Leverkusen, not to mention all the trophies he lifted as the team's captain.
Honours list
Casillas clinched 19 titles as a madridista: 3 Champions Leagues, 3 Club World Cups, 2 European Super Cups, 5 LaLiga titles, 2 Copas del Rey and 4 Spanish Super Cups. He also lifted the 2010 World Cup with the Spanish National Team, clinching the Golden Glove in the process, and the Euros in 2008 and 2012.