Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas has openly dismissed Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the greatest footballers of all time, firmly naming Diego Maradona as his undisputed GOAT. The celebrated Spanish goalkeeper, known for his remarkable achievements with club and country, revealed his preference during a winner-stays-on style game in October last year.
During this unique challenge with GOAL, Casillas was prompted to pick iconic players from a growing list. Initially, he chose former Real Madrid teammate Raul Gonzalez over Barcelona’s Samuel Eto’o. His selection shifted slightly when Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario was introduced, opting for O Fenomeno ahead of players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Michael Owen, Romario, and David Beckham.
He consistently favored Ronaldo Nazario over other stars such as Ronaldinho, Gareth Bale, Pedro, Guti, Rivaldo, and Karim Benzema. However, the dynamic shifted when French maestro Zinedine Zidane joined the lineup. The host acknowledged Casillas’s choice with a prompt,
“There we go, okay!” —Host
To which Casillas responded without hesitation,
“And I won’t move,” said Casillas.
Despite Zidane’s legendary status, when it came down to choosing between him and Diego Maradona, Casillas selected the Argentine icon. His decision remained unchanged even when Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo entered the discussion, clearly indicating where his admiration lies.
Diego Maradona’s legacy includes winning the 1986 World Cup with Argentina and impressive performances at both Barcelona and Napoli, solidifying his place as one of football’s all-time greats.
Encounters Between Casillas, Ronaldo, and Messi Throughout His Career
Over the course of his illustrious career, Iker Casillas faced both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi multiple times, further adding context to his perspective on the GOAT debate. Casillas and Ronaldo were teammates at Real Madrid following the Portuguese star’s arrival from Manchester United in 2009.
They shared the field in 228 matches for the LaLiga powerhouse, while Casillas also faced Ronaldo in four international matches. Meanwhile, Casillas confronted Lionel Messi on 26 different occasions, predominantly in club competitions. Most of these clashes happened during the fiercely competitive El Clasico fixtures between Real Madrid and Barcelona.
In these high-stakes encounters, Messi scored 17 goals against Casillas, highlighting the Argentine’s dominance in the rivalry. Messi’s impact extended to international play as well, netting a goal against Casillas during Argentina’s 2-1 victory over Spain in 2009.
The Lasting Impact of Casillas’s GOAT Choice
Casillas’s decision to crown Diego Maradona as the greatest ever carries a meaningful message about individual perspectives on football greatness. Despite sharing the pitch extensively with Cristiano Ronaldo and facing Lionel Messi many times, the Spaniard’s respect for Maradona’s legacy underscores the lasting influence of the Argentine legend’s career and achievements.
As debates about the GOAT continue to captivate fans worldwide, Casillas’s clear preference adds a thoughtful voice to the conversation, reminding fans that greatness can be measured in many ways beyond just statistics and titles.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Lionel Messi religious?
A. He grew up in a Roman Catholic family and shares their beliefs. Two of his tattoos reflect his faith: one is of Jesus with a crown of thorns on his right shoulder, and the other is a rosary on his forearm.
Q. Is Lionel Messi’s religion?
A. Her passing deeply impacted him just before he turned eleven. Ever since, as a dedicated Catholic, he honors her by scoring and then looking up and pointing to the sky.