Luis Figo |The player who moved from Barcelona to Real Madrid

A football legend that completed a controversial transfer

Figo's journey to becoming a football icon was remarkable. 

Author | Chris Thomas

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.

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. 

When Luís Figo stepped out at the Camp Nou for the first time in a Real Madrid shirt on 21 October 2000, the atmosphere was ferocious. Banners branding him a “traitor”, “Judas”, “scum” and “mercenary” were draped across the stands, as 98,000 Barcelona fans vented their fury. The noise was deafening. As Figo emerged from the tunnel, the jeers intensified, leaving him visibly stunned as he raised his hands to his ears in disbelief.

In his debut season with Real Madrid, Luís Figo helped the club to the 2001 La Liga title, scoring 14 goals across all competitions. His performances earned him the 2001 FIFA World Player of the Year award. The following summer, Zinedine Zidane arrived at the Bernabéu, and together they helped Madrid lift the 2001–02 Champions League. His final major success with the club was the 2003 La Liga title

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.