Campo tips Casillas for Ballon d´Or

Former Real Madrid player Ivan Campo believes Iker Casillas should be awarded the FIFA Ballon d’Or.

The ex-defender admits the goalkeeper may not receive the award, but has suggested the Spain international deserves it just as much as any outfield contender, with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo again expected to battle it out for the individual prize.

“It is a lost debate. Casillas deserves the Ballon d’Or as much as Raul did some years ago,” Campo told AS.

“I am a bit tired of saying it, Iker deserves it just as much as (Andres) Iniesta or Xabi Alonso.”

The 38-year-old reflected on his time working with Casillas at the Santiago Bernabeu and says he always had a strong character.

“At 17, he was still a boy, but he was making jokes to the veterans,” Campo said.

“He was once the one you make jokes at. Now he is a symbol. We are proud to have shared a dressing room with him.”