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The World Cup winner has confirmed that he will be challenging Luis Rubiales for the role, with the iconic goalkeeper about to hang up his gloves.

Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas has revealed that he will be running for the presidency of the Spanish FA, with the iconic goalkeeper preparing to head into retirement.

At 38 years of age, the World Cup winner is ready to hang up his gloves.

He has remained on the books at Portuguese side Porto since suffering a serious health scare in the spring of 2019.

Plans are now being pieced together for a career off the field, with Casillas stating his intention to challenge Luis Rubiales for the right to take control of the RFEF.

A man who emerged out of Real Madrid’s famed academy system to spend 16 trophy-laden years with the Blancos said on Twitter when announcing his new venture: “We are working with the utmost respect and determination in our candidacy.

“More than 23,000 voters await us in fair and transparent elections. 139 assembly members will decide.”

Casillas added on his playing commitments: “I have informed the president of Porto of my decision to whom I want to express my deepest gratitude.”

The intention is for Casillas to restore harmony to what has become a fractured relationship between current RFEF chief Rubialos and his opposite number in La Liga, Javier Tebas.

He can expect to attract plenty of support in a bid to fill a prominent role away from the pitch.

As captain of the Spain national side, he helped to deliver World Cup glory and two European Championship triumphs.

Casillas also collected an enviable haul of medals at club level, including five La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns.

Those who once played alongside him will likely join his fight, but Barcelona great Carles Puyol says he has held no discussions when it comes to potentially working with Casillas.

He told Marca : “I saw something on Twitter and I've also read I've been with him, and I can tell you now that I haven't spoken to Iker.

"Iker is a friend and if he calls me, I will listen; another thing is joining him. I'm also a friend of those from Barcelona; they called me and I didn't join them.

"They're positions that you have to convince [people] because it's a big responsibility. It depends on the vital moment which each person can get involved in or not."