Real Madrid's youth sector is set to lose two well-known names, after Martín and Lucas Casillas, the sons of former Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas and journalist Sara Carbonero, decided to leave La Fábrica, the academy where they had been training since before the youth ranks.
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According to the Spanish newspaper AS, Martín, 12, and his younger brother Lucas, 10, decided to change their surroundings and continue pursuing their dream of becoming footballers somewhere else.
Until recently, Martín played for the under-13 team Infantil B, while his younger brother was in the Alevín A team, a category that still competes in seven-a-side football. However, neither is any longer listed on the Real Madrid academy team rosters published on the club's website.
Lucas had recently been disappointed after being left out of the squad for the Futures tournament in Orlando, in which Real Madrid took part in an international competition. Martín also failed to secure a regular place in his team.
The brothers share one thing with their father: they play in goal. It was the position that made Iker Casillas a legend at Real Madrid and in Spanish football, thanks to a record full of achievements, most notably three Champions League titles.
That may be a source of pride for the two boys, but growing up in the shadow of one of the greatest goalkeepers in history also places extra pressure on them. Iker Casillas himself acknowledged this in an earlier interview.
The former keeper said: "If they want to become goalkeepers, of course I have no objection, as long as they are good people and choose it of their own free will. Perhaps things are a little easier for my sons because they have those genes, and maybe the way of falling and so on, but I also think it is much harder for them than it was for us, especially when their father is a well-known figure in football, because they will always be exposed to comparison."
The former Spanish international also stressed that he never tried to steer Martín and Lucas's sporting paths, saying: "I am not like my father was when I was young... in this respect, I am not a father who pushes his children to play football."
For its part, Marca reported that Martín, 12, and Lucas, 10, will leave Real Madrid and move to Leganés, in search of a development project better suited to their progress.
Martín previously caught attention while playing at the under-12 World Cup, while Lucas shone by saving several penalties in a shoot-out against Barcelona.
