Iker Casillas sues Porto and insurer for €3.7M over career-ending heart attack
Former Real Madrid and Porto goalkeeper Iker Casillas, now 45, testified in a Porto court on June 8, 2026, seeking €3.7 million from insurer Fidelidade and FC Porto for permanent work incapacity after a 2019 training heart attack. He described chest pressure, fear, and inability to return to professional play, though the insurer questioned his participation in friendly matches and padel. A cardiologist testified training may have triggered the attack but underlying atherosclerosis was the cause.
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FC Porto Doctor Testifies Casillas Could Have Returned to Play After Heart Attack
During the third session of a trial at the Porto Labor Court, FC Porto's clinical director Nélson Puga testified that former goalkeeper Iker Casillas could have returned to high-level competition one year after his 2019 heart attack, as he suffered no functional after-effects and had a low risk of recurrence with medication. Cardiologist Luís Macedo, who treated Casillas, confirmed the player recovered full functional capacity and could have played, but noted Casillas himself decided to end his career. Both doctors rejected a causal link between training and the heart attack, though an earlier expert suggested training may have triggered plaque rupture. Casillas is suing insurer Fidelidade and FC Porto, seeking over €2.2 million in compensation, arguing the heart attack was a work accident. The trial continues on July 7.
RecordIker Casillas' Defense Denies Receiving 1.5 Million Euros from Insurer After Heart Attack
The defense of former FC Porto goalkeeper Iker Casillas clarified that insurance company Fidelidade did not pay any compensation following his acute myocardial infarction in May 2019. Casillas is seeking to have the heart attack classified as a work accident in an ongoing trial at the Porto Labor Court. The 1.5 million euros figure cited in the case represents his annual salary reported by FC Porto, not an insurance payout. Casillas demands Fidelidade pay over 2.2 million euros for temporary and permanent incapacity, and also seeks additional payments from FC Porto. Expert testimony revealed the training session may have triggered the heart attack but was not the primary cause, citing pre-existing coronary disease. The cardiologist stated Casillas now faces very high cardiovascular risk and is unfit for high-level competition.
RecordExpert: Training may have triggered Casillas' heart attack but was not the cause
In a trial at the Porto Labour Court, expert cardiologist Natália António testified that the training session in which former FC Porto goalkeeper Iker Casillas suffered a heart attack in May 2019 may have acted as a 'trigger' for rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque, but the underlying cause was pre-existing coronary artery atherosclerosis. Casillas claims €3.7 million from insurer Fidelity and FC Porto for work incapacity. The expert stated that 10% of heart attacks can occur during exercise but that the disease could have manifested at rest. She concluded that Casillas cannot return to high-level competition due to very high cardiovascular risk. The case began in October 2021.
RecordCasillas Sues Porto and Insurer for 3.7 Million Euros Over Career-Ending Heart Attack
Former Real Madrid and Porto goalkeeper Iker Casillas has returned to Porto to appear in court, suing his former club Porto and insurance company Fidelidade for 3.7 million euros. The claim stems from a sudden heart attack he suffered during a routine training session with Porto in May 2019. Casillas testified that he felt intense chest pressure during training, was unable to continue, and was taken to the hospital. He argues that the incident caused a permanent loss of his ability to work as a professional footballer. At the time, he still had a one-year contract with Porto and hoped to continue his career. After the heart attack, he took a long break and officially retired in 2020. While he can still engage in fitness and paddle tennis, he can no longer train or compete at a professional level. The case is being reported by Portuguese newspaper Record.
虎扑 - 足球Iker Casillas Recalls Heart Attack in Court During Compensation Lawsuit Against Insurer and FC Porto
Iker Casillas, legendary Real Madrid and Spain goalkeeper, testified at the Porto Palace of Justice on Monday in a lawsuit seeking 3.7 million euros in compensation from insurer Fidelidade and FC Porto for work incapacity. The claim stems from an acute myocardial infarction he suffered in May 2019 during training at Olival. Casillas described the event as a normal day that turned critical around 11 a.m., when he felt strong chest pressure, had difficulty breathing, and feared for his life. He was assisted by Porto's doctor and transferred to a hospital. The former goalkeeper stated his contract with Porto had one more year and his goal was to continue playing. The insurer's defense challenged him based on his participation in friendly matches and padel tournaments, but Casillas argued those events lack the demands of professional football. He noted his recovery was slow, with complete rest for the first week and only feeling like himself after seven months.
Últimas NoticiasIker Casillas Recalls Heart Attack in Court, Seeks 3.7 Million Euros Compensation
Iker Casillas, legendary Real Madrid and Spain goalkeeper, testified at the Porto Palace of Justice on Monday in a lawsuit seeking 3.7 million euros in compensation from insurer Fidelidade and FC Porto for work incapacity. The claim stems from an acute myocardial infarction he suffered in May 2019 during training at Olival. Casillas described the event, saying he felt strong chest pressure, had difficulty breathing, and was afraid. He stated his intention was to continue playing, as he had one more year on his contract. The insurer's defense questioned him about statements made at Web Summit 2021 and his participation in friendly matches and padel tournaments. Casillas responded that those activities do not have the level or demands of professional football.
Últimas NoticiasCasillas Returns to Porto for Court Hearing, Recalls Heart Attack: 'I Was Scared'
Former FC Porto and Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas appeared in a Porto court on June 8, 2026, seeking 3.7 million euros from insurance company Fidelidade and FC Porto for incapacity to work following a heart attack he suffered in May 2019. Casillas, now 45, testified that he felt strong chest pressure during training at Olival, was taken to CUF hospital, and struggled to breathe. He stated he cannot run anymore and only plays friendly exhibition matches, not professional football. The insurance company's defense questioned his participation in Real Madrid Legends games and padel competitions, but Casillas argued these lack the demands of professional play. The case centers on whether his heart condition permanently ended his career.
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