Iker Casillas returns to Dubai for Club World Cup roadshow

Dubai: Iker Casillas can’t seem to stay away from Dubai — and neither can football fans.

The legendary Real Madrid goalkeeper was back in the city, not just to mentor young keepers at his namesake academy, but also to unveil cutting-edge tech at a fan-packed FIFA Club World Cup 2025 roadshow at the Mall of the Emirates.

The event, held on Saturday, was part of a promotional campaign by Chinese home appliance giant Hisense and Spanish football powerhouse Real Madrid. Football fans from across the UAE immersed themselves in interactive activities that blended sport with innovation.

Casillas, who spent 16 glittering seasons as Real Madrid’s first-choice goalkeeper, joined Hisense representatives to unveil the 116-inch RGB Mini-LED TV UX — officially customised for the Club World Cup. Before the launch, he also visited the Hisense R&D centre in Dubai to explore the brand’s latest technological innovations.

“Technology has become integral to modern football fandom,” said the 2010 World Cup winner.

“Whether in the stadium or at home, the viewing experience defines how fans connect with the sport. It’s remarkable to see companies like Hisense pushing technological frontiers, bringing fans closer to the action, atmosphere, and emotions of every match.”

Founded in 1969, Hisense has become a global leader in the 100+ inch TV market, holding a 56.7 per cent volume share across 2023, 2024 and Q1 2025.

Casillas’s ties to the city go far beyond media appearances. His Iker Casillas Academy, based at the High Performance Centre in Dubai, has been instrumental in training the next generation of goalkeepers and coaches. The academy collaborates with Michel Salgado’s Fursan Hispania FC, with institutional support from the Dubai Sports Council.

The camp focused on both technical skill and mentorship, giving young players and coaches access to elite-level training.

“Through this camp, I feel like I’m passing on a part of what I’ve learnt,” Casillas said during a previous session.

“It’s more than just drills — it’s about building a mindset.”

With Real Madrid World now open at Dubai Parks and Resorts, and the Club World Cup set to generate excitement across the region, the connection between the Spanish giants and the UAE continues to grow.

Whether it’s dazzling fans with new tech or mentoring the keepers of tomorrow, Casillas remains at the heart of it all — proving that even off the pitch, legends never stop working.