Real Madrid and Spain legendary goalkeeper Iker Casillas has appeared to announce that he is gay, which would make him one of the most high-profile former athletes in the world to do so.
Taking to Twitter on Sunday afternoon, Casillas, who won the World Cup with Spain and three Champions Leagues with Real Madrid, said: "I hope you respect me: I'm gay. #felizdomingo."
The post has since been deleted.
Casillas, 41, had previously been married, and had two children, with Spanish journalist Sara Carbonero before their separation in March 2021.
Earlier this year 17-year-old Jake Daniels became the first active male professional footballer in the English game to openly come out as gay. Daniels, who plays for Blackpool in the Championship, made his announcement in an interview with Sky Sports, which received media coverage from all around the world.
"I just processed and processed every day about how I want to do it, when I want to do it and I feel like now is just the right time - you know I feel like I'm ready to tell people about my story," said Daniels, discussing his decision earlier this year. "I want people to know the real me and lying all the time just isn't what I wanted to do.
"It has been a struggle but now I do feel I am ready to be myself and be free and just be confident with it all."
