The Real Madrid legend has shut down the internet after publicly confirming his homosexuality on social media.

Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas has announced that he is gay. In a tweet published on Sunday afternoon, the ex-Spain goalkeeper said: « I hope you respect me: I’m gay. »

Iker Casillas tweet
Iker Casillas tweet

However, there are claims indicating a possibility that Casillas’ social media account could have been hacked before the announcement.

Casillas was initially 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 who replied to his tweet which has now gone viral with a message that read:

« It’s time to tell our story, Iker »

Carles Puyol tweet
Carles Puyol tweet

Regardless, fans have seemingly reacted to Puyol’s reply which seemed to indicate solidarity with his compatriot and friend.

The pair shared a fierce rivalry on the pitch having faced in other in a couple of El Clasico fixtures between 2000 and 2014.

Casillas, who retired in 2020 after suffering a cardiac arrest during training with Porto, is remembered for being one of football’s most successful goalkeepers.

2010 World Cup winning captain, Iker Casillas
2010 World Cup winning captain, Iker Casillas
Iker Casillas is regarded as one of the greatest and most successful goalkeepers of his generation
Iker Casillas is regarded as one of the greatest and most successful goalkeepers of his generation

The Spaniard won one World Cup, two European Championships, five La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues in a distinguished senior career.

Casillas spent 25 years with Real Madrid, whom he joined at the age of nine, and the Los Blancos hero lifted a whopping 19 trophies, while also captaining the team from 2010 until his departure in 2015.

Between 2004 and 2008, Casillas dated the winner of a beauty pageant, Eva Gonzalez. Soon after their split, Casillas began dating Carbonero in 2009.

The shot-stopper famously kissed her following Spain’s triumph at the 2010 World Cup, when La Roja beat the Netherlands in the final.

Pulse