Iker Casillas, the legendary Spanish goalkeeper, has long been a figure of immense public interest, not just for his unparalleled football career but also for his relationships. His romantic life, often intertwined with his public persona, has seen high-profile partnerships, a celebrated marriage, and a subsequent journey into privacy, reflecting a life lived under the constant glare of the media.
One of Casillas's earlier public relationships was with Ana Isabel Medinabeitia. Dating in the early 2000s, this relationship was less intensely scrutinized by the media compared to his later high-profile romances, as Casillas was still establishing himself as a global football icon. Their time together coincided with his early years as a rising star at Real Madrid and with the Spanish national team.
As his fame grew, Casillas's romantic life became more visible. He dated Eva González, a former Miss Spain, from 2005 to 2008. Their relationship was a prominent fixture in Spanish celebrity news, with both individuals being highly recognized figures. Despite the public interest, the couple maintained a relatively private stance, and their split was reported to be amicable, marking the end of a significant chapter in Casillas's personal life.
His most prominent and widely publicized relationship began with sports journalist Sara Carbonero around 2009. Their romance captured international attention, especially after Casillas famously kissed Carbonero on live television following Spain's victory in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. This spontaneous moment became an iconic image, symbolizing the intersection of his professional triumph and personal happiness.
Their relationship blossomed, leading to the birth of their first son, Martín, on January 3, 2014. The couple then quietly tied the knot in a private ceremony on March 20, 2016, a testament to their desire for intimacy despite their public profiles. Shortly after their marriage, they welcomed their second son, Lucas, on June 2, 2016, further solidifying their family unit.
Life for the family took a turn when Casillas suffered a heart attack in 2019, followed by Carbonero's ovarian cancer diagnosis. These challenging times brought the couple closer, showcasing their resilience and mutual support. However, after more than a decade together, the couple announced their separation on March 12, 2021, through a joint statement on social media. They affirmed their decision was mutual, stating, > "Today our love as a couple takes different paths but not far away since we will continue together in the wonderful task of being dedicated parents." They emphasized their commitment to co-parenting and maintaining a strong friendship for their children.
Following his divorce from Sara Carbonero, Casillas has largely maintained a private stance on his romantic life. While various media outlets have linked him to different personalities, including journalist Ana Quiles and actress Alejandra Onieva, Casillas has often used his social media platforms to deny these rumors, sometimes with humor, asserting his single status and focus on his family and career. His post-divorce period has been marked by a clear desire to keep his personal relationships out of the public eye, a stark contrast to some of his earlier, more publicized romances, as he navigates life as a single father and a sports icon.