Martin Casillas, the 12-year-old son of former Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas, is establishing his own reputation as a rising goalkeeper at Real Madrid.
Born on January 3, 2014, the young goalkeeper has played for Real Madrid's Alevin A team since 2022, when he transferred from a grassroots club in Pozuelo. His performances between the posts have already earned him a call-up to the Spain under-12 national team, placing him among the top young goalkeepers in the country.
Until recently, Martin maintained a low public profile as part of a long-standing decision by his parents, Iker Casillas and journalist Sara Carbonero, to protect the privacy of their children. That reserve ended when journalist Jose Ramon de la Morena invited the young player to appear on the show Resonancia de Corazon alongside two of his club teammates, David Sanchez Miralles and Ethan Balboa Rodriguez.
Ethan Balboa Rodriguez is the son of former professional footballer and sports commentator Javi Balboa. During the broadcast, the three academy players reviewed moments from their current season, with Martin speaking comfortably about his experiences both on and off the field.
Derby victory against Atletico Madrid
Reflecting on the highlight of their season, the three players pointed to a memorable derby victory over local rivals Atletico Madrid. Martin recalled that the victory felt like a miracle because the team managed to score four goals in just 24 minutes.
After the final whistle of that derby win, Martin walked up into the stadium stands to share the moment with his younger brother Lucas. Lucas is two years younger than Martin and also plays as a goalkeeper. Martin said both brothers were filled with joy and that Lucas shed tears of emotion during their embrace, demonstrating the deep bond they share on and off the pitch.
Carving an independent identity at Valdebebas
Despite carrying one of the most famous surnames in Spanish football, Martin has demonstrated a clear sense of leadership inside the Real Madrid dressing room. The 12-year-old explained that while he is proud to be Iker's son, he is Martin Casillas and wants to build his own football career without being compared to his father.
Martin acknowledged his father's monumental legacy, which includes captaining Real Madrid and Spain to European and World Cup triumphs. However, the young goalkeeper emphasized that he is focused on forging his own path on the training pitches of Real Madrid's Valdebebas complex in northern Madrid.
Childhood memory of father's Portuguese cup triumph
When discussing his father, Martin recalled a vivid childhood memory from when he was five years old. He shared that he cried while watching his father play a starring role in goal to win a cup competition in Portugal, adding that he felt immense happiness seeing his father succeed.
Iker Casillas spent five seasons playing in Portugal for FC Porto after departing Real Madrid in 2015, winning the Portuguese league title and the Portuguese Cup before retiring. For Martin, watching his father perform on the big stage in Portugal remains one of the defining memories of his early childhood.
