10 Reasons Why Casillas Should Win The Balon d'Or
Written by realmadridtalk on Thursday, 03 July 08, 03:48 AM · Fan views on Real Madrid and Real's Players »
The guys over at the official website believe that Iker Casillas is the best goalie in the world and therefore should win this year's Balon d'Or. While you may think they are being subjective here, their reasons are pretty convincing. Here they are:
- 1. He had a tremendously successful year:
- Champion of Europe and champion of Spain. The Balon d'Or recognizes a player's performance between January and December, during which Casillas won La Liga and the Euro and conceded the fewest goals in each.
- 2. He has an amazing track record:
- Only 27 years old, Iker has already won four league titles, two European Cups, two Spanish Super Cups, one European Super Cup, and now, one European Championship. In 2000 he earned Bravo Trophy honors as the best young player in Europe, only after winning the European Championship with Spain's Under-15, Under-17, and Under-19 squads.
- 3. His flawless technique:
- Agility, reflexes, one-on-one dominance, sure-handed down low, sure-handed up high. His technique is simply flawless. He reaches balls no one else can. He moves like none other and is always a step ahead. His saves translate into countless points for his team.
- 4. His stats:
- Casillas has already been capped 82 times, only bested by Fernando Hierro -89-, Raúl -102-, and Zubizarreta -126-. He's played 427 matches for Real Madrid; 311 in La Liga, 16 in Copa del Rey action, 88 in the Champions League, and 12 in other competitions.
- 5. The symbol of a generation:
- A new Spain packed with Champions. Modern, brave, and proud. A generation of athletes born in the 80's who astonish both home and abroad. Iker has become a pillar of Madridismo and the club with the world's largest fanbase. His human touch, his transparency. A simple, humble, and down to earth guy.
- 6. He's a leader:
- Whether it's by barking orders to his defenders or by standing up in the dressing room, Iker has always been a top dog. He's a leader within the club and a reference point for fans. And let's not forget captain of the 2008 European champions.
- 7. He's a product of the academy:
- The Quinta del Buitre took shape within the Sports City, and rarely have we seen similar cases since. Players who stay put are a rare breed. Raúl and Guti at Real Madrid. Totti at Roma, Scholes, Neville, and Giggs at Manchester. They are examples of commitment and pride. Iker has become a role model for Real Madrid's youth system.
- 8. Recognition of a championship:
- Tradition dictates that those who step up in summer competitions are recognized by France Football come December. Such was the case for Cannavaro in 2006, Ronaldo in 2002, Zidane in 1998, Sammer in 1996, Mattäus in 1990, and so on. So now it's Casillas' turn, not just for his performance against Italy, but because of his perfect Euro during which he conceded just one goal in five matches.
- 9. History says so:
- Ever since Lev Yashin won the award in 1963, no other goalkeeper has been recognized as Europe's best footballer. Oliver Kahn came close in 2001 and 2002, andGianluigi Buffon in 2006, but this award is mainly given to forwards, and midfielders, and rarely to defenders and goalkeepers.
- 10. He's more than just an athlete:
- Realizing what they represent, many footballers take advantage of their privileged situation to help those in need, and Casillas is always on the front line. He's joined forces in the battle against malaria in Sierra Leon and several months ago with Rafa Nadal organized a benefit match whose proceeds were donated to this ongoing struggle. Iker is also an active partner of the Real Madrid Foundation.
Now that a defender (Cannavaro) has won this trophy before, I think it is also possible for a goalkeeper to win it (Lev Yashin won it once). Saint Iker has all the characteristics of a top footballer and he has achieved what it takes to win this trophy.
And who is the competition? Ronaldo? Ronaldo won the Premiership, the Champions League, and was awarded the best player in England, but he failed miserably in the Euro. If you look at it, you will see that both players are head-to-head. Casillas won the League, the Euro and the Zamora Trophy, aint that enough to beat Ronaldo?
What do you think?
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Reply to Apoc:
He's been our best player for the last few seasons and this year he's been phenomenal both for club and country and though he was quiet in the euro's he still dealt with near everything that came his way with confidence and faultless goalkeeping.
As much as i'd love for him to win such...
Well, if they are going to be fair and are going to judge him according to the characteristics mentioned above, I think Casillas will win it.
Goalkeepers are just like strikers. They are footballers and they are part of the game and some of them are crucial. I don't see why they can't win it.
Ronaldo is undeniably the best in his position and so is Casillas (in his position). I hope it will be a fair game.
Reply to Thedangerzolo:
As much as I want Iker to win the Balon D'Or . I think its a long shot , The governing body does not consider Goalkeepers that much into prospect . Ronaldo as Apoc is said is the likely winner
Well, that was the case with defenders but it all changed when Cannavaro won it. He won it because he had a phenomenal season both with Juventus and the Seria A.
Reply to realmadridtalk:
Reply to Thedangerzolo:As much as I want Iker to win the Balon D'Or . I think its a long shot , The governing body does not consider Goalkeepers that much into prospect . Ronaldo as Apoc is said is the likely winner
Well, that was the case with defenders but it all changed when Cannavaro won it. He won it because he had a phenomenal season both with Juventus and the Seria A.
You got a point there .. but defenders are easier to win it . Anyways will see what happens
Reply to Thedangerzolo:
Reply to realmadridtalk:Reply to Thedangerzolo:As much as I want Iker to win the Balon D'Or . I think its a long shot , The governing body does not consider Goalkeepers that much into prospect . Ronaldo as Apoc is said is the likely winner
Well, that was the case with defenders but it all changed when Cannavaro won it. He won it because he had a phenomenal season both with Juventus and the Seria A.
You got a point there .. but defenders are easier to win it . Anyways will see what happens
I recognize that Buffon won an award in 2006, or didn't he? I still think it is possible.
With so many big trophies at the age of 27!
And he showed that he has learned the most difficult lection:how to become the key-player!Against almost the biggest ones(Italians)!
I am sure that that day when he will retire, he will be in category of Zoff,Jasin,Zamora!
But,Ronaldo is on his way to win it this year,I think
san iker has been one of the reasons for continued champions league football at the bernabeu ,in my humble opinion atleast.he deserves the ballon.for the past 5 years ,through the galacticos era he has been without reproach in any season.i don´t need 10 reasons to give him d ballon d'or.nd CRon's play at d euro hasn't really made his case stronger. san iker was as good in his position as ronaldo was in his. indeed winning the zamora despite having a makeshift defence in front of him for quite some part of d season is d indicator for dat.nd 2 top dat ,more dan ne1 else , he is the reason spain won the euros.wat more reasons r needed ????but i don´t think d persons who will decide have ne common sense.for all their football wisdom ,every1 will be 2 blinded by d 42 goal shine of CRon.i agree dat dats a towering achievement but his performances in d big matches have left me a bit disenchanted.give him d golden boot if u want but d ballon should go to san iker. 
unfortunately , he is not a striker .... but i absolutely agree ... he can be one of the best candidates to get the award , he is the best goalkeeper at this moment, i dont see why they do not change the criteria to nominate ... football is not about strikers and goals ... is also about those whho avoid their teams lose
15 Madridistas have commented on "10 Reasons Why Casillas Should Win The Balon d'Or"
He's been our best player for the last few seasons and this year he's been phenomenal both for club and country and though he was quiet in the euro's he still dealt with near everything that came his way with confidence and faultless goalkeeping.
As much as i'd love for him to win such high personal honours,which i also know he'd consider secondary to team awards (he's always been for the team first), I sadly believe Ronaldo will clean up with the major awards and still think outfield players like Lionel Messi and even our own Wesley Sneijder will receive more acclaim...at least we know Casillas is the greatest.
As much as I want Iker to win the Balon D'Or . I think its a long shot , The governing body does not consider Goalkeepers that much into prospect . Ronaldo as Apoc is said is the likely winner