Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas to run for Spanish FA presidency vs Rubiales

Iker Casillas, Real Madrid’s legendary former captain and goalkeeper, is expected to stand for election as president of the Spanish FA taking on current president, Luis Rubiales. Outlets like El Larguero of Cadena Ser and ESPN have reported on the rumors. The first murmurs of a potential Iker Casillas candidacy was floated around last month and now look to be confirmed.

The 38-year-old is still a contracted player with FC Porto and has not retired from professional football, despite suffering a serious heart attack last year. He has not featured for the club since May of 2019, which was prior to his subsequent medical issues.

A report from ESPN indicated that Casillas has already held meetings with the Spanish sport’s governing body, Consejo Superior de Deportes, and informed them of his decision to take part in the upcoming elections. Casillas is said to have a number of supporters, including La Liga president Javier Tebas. The current FC Porto man is seen in a much more favorable light than his soon to be rival, Luis Rubiales, whose tenure has been marred in controversy since taking over in 2018 and sacking Julen Lopetegui just days before the World Cup.

It is expected that Iker Casillas will officially retire as a player in the next few weeks and then announce his candidacy for the Spanish FA presidential race.