Iker Casillas comes out as gay as Real Madrid and Spain legend asks for ‘respect’ – The Mirror

Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas has announced that he is gay, becoming one of the most high-profile male footballers in history to confirm their homosexuality.

In a tweet published on Sunday afternoon, the ex-Spain goalkeeper said: “I hope you respect me: I’m gay.” Casillas was married to sports journalist Sara Carbonero for five years before their separation in March 2021, having had two children, both boys.

The 41-year-old received a wave of support upon his shock announcement, including from Barcelona icon and his former Spain teammate, Carles Puyol. Casillas, who retired in 2020 after suffering a cardiac arrest during training with final club Porto, is remembered for being one of football’s most successful goalkeepers.

The Spaniard won one World Cup, two European Championships, five La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues in a distinguished senior career which spanned 22 years. Spending a total of 25 years with Real Madrid, whom he joined at the age of nine, the Los Blancos hero lifted a whopping 19 trophies, while also captaining the team from 2010 until his departure in 2015.

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