40 Fascinating Facts About Luís Figo

Luís Filipe Madeira Caeiro Figo, born on November 4, 1972, in Almada, Portugal, is a retired Portuguese footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation. Renowned for his skill, precision, and versatility on the field, Figo enjoyed a distinguished career, playing for some of Europe’s top clubs including Sporting CP, Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan. Beyond his club success, Figo was a pivotal figure for the Portuguese national team, earning over a hundred caps and leading the “Golden Generation.” Here are 40 fascinating facts about Luís Figo, tracing his journey from a promising youth talent to a footballing legend.

1. Luís Figo was born in Almada, Portugal, in 1972 
2. He began his career at Sporting CP, making his league debut in 1990 
3. Figo scored his first professional goal for Sporting CP in December 1991 
4. He was part of Portugal’s “Golden Generation” 
5. Figo won the 1991 FIFA U-20 World Cup with Portugal 
6. He transferred to Barcelona in 1995 after a controversial dispute with Italian clubs Juventus and Parma 
7. At Barcelona, Figo won the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1996-97 
8. He won two La Liga titles with Barcelona 
9. In 2000, Figo made a high-profile move to Barcelona’s rivals, Real Madrid, for a then-world record fee 
10. He won the Ballon d’Or in 2000 
11. Figo was named FIFA World Player of the Year in 2001 
12. He won the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid in 2002 
13. Figo joined Inter Milan in 2005, where he continued to win titles, including four Serie A championships 
14. He represented Portugal in three FIFA World Cups (1998, 2002, 2006) 
15. Figo retired from international football after the 2006 World Cup 
16. He earned 127 caps and scored 32 goals for the Portugal national team 
17. Figo was known for his exceptional dribbling skills and ability to beat opponents in one-on-one situations 
18. Though primarily a winger, Figo was also effective as an attacking midfielder later in his career 
19. He was capable of using both feet, despite being naturally right-footed 
20. Figo was celebrated for his leadership both on and off the pitch 
21. He participated in Euro 1996, Euro 2000, Euro 2004, and captained Portugal in the 2006 World Cup 
22. Figo had a brief retirement from international football after Euro 2004 but returned for the 2006 World Cup 
23. He was included in the FIFA 100 list by Pelé in 2004 
24. Figo is one of the few players to have played for both Barcelona and Real Madrid 
25. He won a total of 8 domestic league championships across his club career 
26. Figo scored 93 goals in 570 club appearances 
27. He was part of the UEFA European Under-16 Championship winning team in 1989 
28. Figo’s transfer to Real Madrid was part of a pre-election promise by Florentino Perez 
29. He made his international debut for Portugal in 1991 
30. Figo’s last professional match was for Inter Milan against Atalanta in 2009 
31. He won the UEFA European Championship Runner-up medal in 2004 with Portugal 
32. Figo was awarded the Intercontinental Cup in 2002 with Real Madrid 
33. He is Portugal’s fourth-highest all-time goalscorer 
34. Figo was known for his powerful striking ability from distance 
35. He was awarded the Supercoppa Italiana with Inter Milan in 2005, 2006, and 2008 
36. Figo’s senior debut for Sporting CP came as a substitute in a match against Marítimo 
37. He scored in Portugal’s opening game against England in Euro 2000 
38. Figo was part of the team that reached the semi-finals of Euro 2000 
39. He led Portugal to their best World Cup performance since 1966 in the 2006 tournament 
40. Figo’s international career ended with cheers from both German and Portuguese fans, marking a celebrated end to his international soccer career 

40 Inspirational Real Madrid Quotes