Spanish football team captain Iker Casillas received the Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Sports Merit from Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy at the Moncloa Palace here.
The Grand Cross, which the iconic goalkeeper on Tuesday devoted to his wife Sara Carbonero and son Martin, is the highest honour given to individuals in the world of sports, reports Efe.
Former Real Madrid and current FC Porto goalkeeper Casillas captained Spain to FIFA World Cup title in 2010 as well as two European Championship in 2008 and 2012 in the country's golden era of football.
This award has also been awarded to former Barcelona star midfielder Xavi Hernandez, who currently plays for Qatar's al-Sadd after leaving the Catalan club and to whom the honour will be delivered soon in Qatar.
The Council of Ministers approved on July 17 the honour to both players for being emblems of the Spanish national team.
