His legacy at Real Madrid is secure, not just for the trophies he helped them win, but for the countless times he single-handedly stole points and instilled belief in his team

Today, we celebrate a legend. Iker Casillas, the man affectionately known as "San Iker" (Saint Iker) by Madridistas around the globe, turns 43. His trophy cabinet overflows with accolades, but it's the countless, breathtaking saves that truly etch his name in Real Madrid folklore. Let's rewind time and revisit five iconic moments where Casillas single-handedly turned the tide for Los Blancos.

1. A baptism by fire: Champions League glory at 19 (2000)

Imagine this, you're a teenager, barely out of your nappies, and thrust into the cauldron of a Champions League final. That was Casillas' reality in 2000. With Bodo Illgner injured, the 19-year-old Casillas donned the gloves against Valencia. 

The result? A clean sheet and a historic 3-0 victory for Real Madrid. Casillas became the youngest goalkeeper ever to play in and win a Champions League final—a record that still stands today.

2. Understudy steps up: Heroics in Leverkusen (2002)

Two years after his fairytale debut, Casillas found himself back at the Champions League final, this time as the understudy of the legendary César Sánchez. Fate, however, had other plans. Sánchez suffered an injury midway through the first half, forcing Casillas into the fray against Bayer Leverkusen. 

The young keeper rose to the occasion, pulling off a string of sensational saves, including a stunning stop from Lucio's header. While Zinedine Zidane's wonder goal stole the headlines, Casillas' composure and reflexes were equally crucial in securing Real Madrid's ninth European crown.

3. Standing tall at Camp Nou (2007)

The 2007–08 season saw Real Madrid locked in a fierce title race with Barcelona. A crucial away fixture at the Camp Nou loomed large. Barcelona, boasting a potent attack led by Lionel Messi and Samuel Eto'o, looked poised to pounce. However, Casillas stood firm. 

He defied logic with a series of acrobatic saves, denying Xavi, Ronaldinho, and Messi what seemed like certain goals. Real Madrid emerged victorious 1-0, thanks in no small part to Casillas' heroics, and the momentum shifted decisively in their favour en route to the La Liga title.

4. A lone star in the derby (2005)

Real Madrid's rivalry with Atletico Madrid is as fierce as it gets.  In a tense derby clash at the Vicente Calderon in 2005, Atletico looked set to snatch a crucial victory. However, Casillas had other ideas. He single-handedly kept Atletico at bay with a string of miraculous saves, turning away efforts from Fernando Torres and Sergio Agüero. 

While Real Madrid eventually secured a late 3-0 win, it was Casillas' heroics that kept them in the game and, ultimately, the title race (although Barcelona would ultimately prevail that season).

5. The Copa culmination: Clean Sheet Glory (2011)

Casillas' trophy haul at Real Madrid is legendary, but the Copa del Rey win in 2011 held a special significance. This was his only Copa del Rey title with Los Blancos, and it came against their arch-rivals, Barcelona. The tension was palpable at the Mestalla Stadium, but Casillas was a wall. 

He kept a clean sheet, thwarting Lionel Messi and Pedro with crucial interventions. Cristiano Ronaldo's extra-time goal proved to be the difference, but it was Casillas' assured presence that laid the foundation for victory.

These are just a few of the countless moments where Iker Casillas rose to the occasion, reminding everyone why he was dubbed "San Iker." Happy Birthday, Saint Iker!