Icons: Luis Figo
Luis Figo is our latest icon to feature on European Super Football.
Figo's journey to becoming a global superstar was remarkable.
With his immense skill, versatility, and unmatched determination, Figo etched his name in football history and left an indelible mark on the sport. In this article, we will delve into the career of this legendary footballer, also exploring one of the most controversial transfers of all time.
Shining at Sporting
Figo's passion for football was evident from a young age. He joined the youth team of Sporting Lisbon, one of the renowned Portuguese clubs. His exceptional performances in the youth setup quickly caught the attention of scouts, and at just 16 years old, he made his debut for the senior team.
Luis Figo in his Sporting Lisbon days is one of the greatest finds ever. pic.twitter.com/RV3ComIvLE
— Old Days Football (@OldDaysFootball) March 22, 2016
The Sporting Lisbon days helped Figo hone his skills and build a strong foundation. His technique, dribbling ability, vision, and speed made him a prominent attacking midfielder. His breakthrough season in 1994-95, where he played a key role in Sporting's Portuguese Cup victory, earned him a move that would change his life forever.
Move to Barcelona
In 1995, Figo moved to Barcelona for a then-record transfer fee of $4.4 million. His time at Barcelona saw him form formidable partnerships with the likes of Ronaldo, Hristo Stoichkov, and Rivaldo. Figo's mesmerizing performances, pinpoint crosses, and stunning goals established him as one of the world's best midfielders.
He won a number of trophies at the Nou Camp including the La Liga title in 1998 and 1999, the Copa del Rey in 1996–97, 1997–98, UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1997 alongside the UEFA Super Cup in the same year. Check out the highlights from the 1997 Cup Winners Cup final. They beat PSG 1-0 with Figo featuring.
His next transfer was more controversial
His form at Barcelona soon attracted interest from their arch-rivals Real Madrid. In 2000, Figo made a controversial switch to Los Blancos for a then world record transfer fee, further solidifying his status in the game. This move further ignited a fiery rivalry between the two clubs, with Figo often subjected to heated receptions from Barcelona fans upon his return to Camp Nou.
Some of the most shocking transfers ever (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)
During that spell at Real Madrid, he played with the likes of Ronaldo, Zidane and Roberto Carlos. Figo earned a number of winners medals including two La Liga titles, a Champions League and the Intercontinental Cup.
Finishing his career at Inter Milan.
Under the guidance of coach Roberto Mancini, Figo played a vital role in the team's dominance in Serie A. Alongside other legends such as Javier Zanetti and Marco Materazzi, Figo helped Inter Milan lift four consecutive Serie A titles from 2005 to 2009. Figo's exceptional performances also propelled the team to victory in the 2006 Coppa Italia and brought them close to European glory
You can watch all of his Inter Milan goals in the video above. YouTube user MyDoorBell commented on the video: " For me, he is maybe the best winger of all time. His dribbling style was really unique, he could change direction very quickly and he was great to watch play. The moves were always perfectly executed, and even if he wasn't the fastest, it was impossible to take the ball from him without fouling."
International Career
Figo's influence extended far beyond his club career. He represented the Portuguese national team with immense pride and honor, earning 127 caps and scoring 32 goals. He played a pivotal role in guiding Portugal to the Euro 2000 and Euro 2004 finals, leaving fans in awe of his technical brilliance.
Perhaps Figo's most significant accomplishment on the international stage was leading Portugal to the semifinals of the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Legacy and retirement
You could also argue that Figo's influence can still be seen today in the Portuguese national team, which boasts an array of talented and technically gifted players, inspired by their country's footballing hero. In 2009, Figo bid farewell to Inter Milan and professional football. What a career he had.
