Children around the world congratulate Iker Casillas

Iker Casillas speaking to boys in Mali before a football match

Children around the world are congratulating Plan sponsor and captain of the Spanish football team Iker Casillas on his team’s World Cup win this summer.

As an ambassador for Plan Spain, Iker has headed Plan’s ‘Stop child poverty’ campaign since 2008. Thanks to his promotion, it has already attracted over 15,000 followers in Spain.

Worldwide congratulations

In the days that followed the Spanish team’s win, children from communities assisted by Plan wanted to thank Iker for the awareness he has raised on the issues that affect them. Children from Indonesia, Peru, Senegal and Bangladesh recorded video messages for the goalkeeper celebrating his win and showing off their football skills.

Happy to work with Plan

Iker has travelled twice with Plan, first to Patabama in Peru, where he participated in an “exciting and unforgettable” match with local children.

“It was incredible the love I received from the Peruvians, as well as learning first hand about the great humanitarian work being carried out by Plan for communities most in need in Peru,” he said.

In 2009 Iker visited the Mali community of Samanbele, where his sponsored child lives. Speaking out on his work with Plan on his trip to Mali, he said, “Every day I feel more and more happy to work hard with Plan and will continue calling for collaboration to ensure the education and welfare of these children.”

Celebrations in Mali

During the World Cup final, the Sanambele community came together to watch and support the Spanish team, and had a rousing celebration when they were declared the winners. Bourama, the child Iker sponsors in Mali, hopes to follow in the champion’s footsteps.

“Iker Casillas can teach me how to play when I grow up, and I’ll make wonders just like him.”

Watch a video on Plan Spain's website.