Luis Figo

Portugal have produced many fine players in their history, from Eusebio to Cristiano Ronaldo, and another legend who hails from the West Europe powerhouse is Luis Figo. He formed part of the Golden Generation of Portuguese football in the 1990’s and early 2000’s, a team that never quite fulfilled its true potential. Figo was the best winger of his time, and one of the world’s best player during his time. He played for both Spanish Giants FC Barcelona and Real Madrid and was embroiled in one of the most controversial transfers in recent history. He helped Portugal reach their first ever finals in a major tournament and also represented Inter Milan with great distinction.

Starting his career in Portugal with Sporting Lisbon, Figo quickly became a star and was noticed by Calatan giants FC Bacelona. Barcelona were undergoing a rebuilding phase and had slipped behind both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in the pecking order in Spain, but all that was before Figo’s arrival. He was an instant success and revolutionized the club. He became a club hero and cult figure, loved and adored by the fans. He helped his club to European and Spanish glory, with help from Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Patrick Kluivert, Luis Enrique and others. He was considered one of the club’s most important players, more so than all other distinguished peers of his. Barcelona had the best player in the world in their eyes and nothing could stop them from conquering all of Europe.

But sadly, all the dreams and plans came shattering down when Real Madrid acquired the services of the Portuguese from their arch rivals in one of the most controversial transfers of all time. Figo was involved in lengthy contract negotiations and eventually he signed with the Whites for a world record transfer fee after his wage demands were met. He was an instant sensation at the Bernebeau and was the focal point of Perez’s Galacticos dream. He was followed by the likes of Zidane, Ronaldo, Beckham and lit up Spain. He would help Los Blancos win the UEFA Champions League for a record ninth time as well. But all was not rosy for him, as he received constant death threats, and on his return to the Nou Camp was greeted by all sorts of jeers and abuses. At one time, when Figo was taking a corner the game was stopped due to the pelting down of all sorts of things at him from the stands, including the infamous “pig head”.

Luis Figo howeer continued to amaze on the pitch. His pin point accuracy with crosses, ability to dribble and score or set his teammates up made him a delight to watch on the pitch. He could do it all on the pitch and was also a great leader and a man of steel. Figo was deadly was set pieces, one of the best free kick and penalty takers in the world. His outside shooting was exemplary and if he got the ball anywhere in the final third of the pitch, there was always a sense of anticipation of a goal. His step overs and passing and link up play made him impossible to mark and although not express pace, he change of speed and bursts of pace were well calculated to out fox his opponents.

For the National Team, Figo helped them reach their first ever finals of a major tournament in Euro 2004, losing out in the finals to surprise winners Greece. Figo instilled in his tams a tremendous work ethic and his Portugal side were known for fresh, attacking brand of football without too many hassles.

The twilight of his career was played out in Italy with Internazionale, a team he helped to successive Scudetto titles in the harsh environment of the Serie A. Inter became a force to reckoned with after they signed Figo, and even though he played in a more central and mid field role as compared to his earlier position, he was as effective in pulling the strings and setting up his team.

His was a career anyone would be proud of, and for two year he was the World Footballer of the Year, a time when Zidane, Rivaldo, Ronaldo were at their peak. He was no less than either of these men, and what he could do on the wings, others could only dream of. There have not been many better wingers, and certainly none as skillful and non-reliant on speed as Figo was. He matured over the years and made all his teams into world beaters and won titles wherever he went.