Gerard Piqué and Iker Casillas are two extremely well-known figures in Spain, and it’s not hard to see why. Their past in the world of football, particularly their time competing as rivals in FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, has cemented their status as household names. However, it’s their friendship, born out of their shared experiences playing for the Spanish national team, that has truly allowed them to connect on a deeper level.
As they’ve continued to maintain their relationship over the years, they’ve even collaborated on various projects. One of the most notable examples is the Kings League, a competition created by Gerard Piqué that features content creators and, as it happens, also includes Iker Casillas. This collaboration has given fans a unique glimpse into the lives and minds of these two football legends.
Recently, Iker Casillas ventured into the world of content creation with his podcast, “Under the sticks,” where he interviews prominent figures in the sports world. Gerard Piqué was his first guest, and their conversation tackled some fascinating topics, including Piqué’s departure from FC Barcelona and the origins of the Kings League project.
Gerard Piqué: “I didn’t see myself not playing in the club of my life and being a ballast”
One question that often lingers in the minds of professional athletes is what happens after they retire. Both Piqué and Casillas have had to navigate this transition, and it’s led them to explore other facets of their personalities and interests. During the podcast, Piqué opened up about his decision to leave FC Barcelona, saying, “In Barça, I always played the headline, I always felt important, and I always thought that at the time that did not happen, I would leave. I did not see myself not playing in the club of my life and being more a load or a ballast, and not something positive to add.”
He continued, “I thought it is the moment it is, and the situation that was going to leave it because I did not have the need to continue playing, and I had already given everything.” This sincere reflection offers a glimpse into the mindset of a professional athlete struggling to come to terms with the end of their playing career.
Piqué also talked about how the idea for the Kings League emerged during a preseason trip. He said, “Honestly, I didn’t think it was going to be how big it has been. Yes, I thought it was going to be something that was going to work.” He explained that his company, Kosmos, had already done projects like “The World Cup” with Ibai, and they had an eSports team. Seeing the potential for combining the worlds of football and streaming, Piqué started developing the idea for the Kings League.
Gerard Piqué: “I still have the breakdown of the idea of the Kings League I made on a preseason trip”
Piqué’s story about the origins of the Kings League is nothing short of fascinating. He revealed that he still has the notes from the breakdown of the idea he made during a preseason trip from Barcelona to the United States. “Putting the world of football with the digital world of the streamers made a lot of sense,” he said. This conversation between two of Spain’s football greats, now also key figures in the Kings League, provides a captivating look at the intersection of sports and entertainment.
The Kings League, which has gained a massive following and continues to expand, has its roots in a rather unexpected place – a preseason flight of FC Barcelona. This talk between Gerard Piqué and Iker Casillas is a must-listen for fans of football and the Kings League, offering a unique perspective on the lives and endeavors of these two Spanish football legends.