Luis Figo is one of the most talented players in history. He played as a midfielder, became the first captain of Barcelona, being a foreigner, helped Portugal in 2000 to reach the Euro semi-finals. Excellent dribbling and amazing blows left no chance for the enemy. Together with a good partner, Luis Figo could overcome any defense. The player’s actions on the football field delighted more than one generation of fans around the world.
Biography
Luis was born on November 4, 1972 in the small town of Almada (Portugal). Luis Figo since childhood played football in the poor streets of his native district. At the age of eleven, he was spotted by scouts and moved to the capital of Portugal. There, Figo began to study at the youth school of Sporting.
The first mentors recall that already in childhood, Luis Figo exceeded his partners in technology and speed. He not only quickly learned to play, but also knew how to organize an attack. Luis chose the role of the right midfielder.
First successes
The rewards to the Portuguese came quickly. In 1989, the World Junior Championships took place in Scotland. The Portuguese national team, which included Luis Figo, was able to win bronze medals. Two years later, Portugal itself hosted the World Cup for players no older than 12 years old. At this time, the gold and silver medal fell into the piggy bank of the team and midfielder.
The success, facilitated by coach Carlos Keyros, did not go unnoticed. Soon, the mentor took the helm of the main Portuguese team and began to prepare it for the 1994 World Cup. The emphasis was on young players, including Figo, but the team at the world championship failed to shine.
Sporting
The midfielder made his debut in the Lisbon team when he was not yet 18 years old. Despite his young age, the football player showed his best side, scoring important goals. Luis Figo liked the fans and was interested in many famous clubs. As part of the Sporting, he won the Cup of the country and won the silver medal of the championship. The player appeared on the field 137 times and scored 16 goals. In 1995, there were rumors of a move to Benfica, but Barcelona's leadership was more generous.
Barcelona
The midfielder was invited to the Spanish team by Cruyff, who was then the head coach. So Luis Figo was in the strongest team on the planet. Then he was only 23 years old. A year later, the famous Dutchman left the post of coach, and other specialists came in his place, but this did not affect the game of Figo.
In Catalonia, the Portuguese fully revealed. In 1997, Figo helped the team win the Cup Winner’s Cup and European Cup, and a year before that - the country's Super Cup. There were two Spanish cups and as many championship titles. Luis Figo, whose photo appeared in every newspaper, won the recognition of fans and was a symbol of the club.
Euro 2000
At the European Championships, held in Belgium and the Netherlands, Luis Figo became a key player in Portugal. The first match of the group was very stressful. Portugal played against the forefathers of football - the British. By the 18th minute, the latter were leading 2-0. Figo was able to break the game, scoring a beautiful ball. The first half ended with the score 2: 2, and in the second Portugal won.
Then the Portuguese confidently beat Romania and defeated Germany. In the playoffs, they got Turkey, which was defeated 2-0. Bright game of Portugal did not leave indifferent any spectator. Many predicted her the championship. In the semifinals, they got France. The main time ended with a score of 1: 1, and in extra time a controversial penalty was awarded to the goal of Portugal, which was realized by Zidane. Luis Figo and his partners received bronze medals and the love of fans.
"Real Madrid"
In 2000, Luis Figo received the Golden Ball as the best player in Europe. At the same time, information appeared that the midfielder had moved to Real Madrid. Many fans of the Catalan team were unhappy with the transfer. The cost amounted to 37 million pounds, which was a record.
The first season for the new club brought the title of Champions of the country, as well as the semifinals of the European Champions League. Then there was another victory in the championship of Spain, the Super Bowl, the Champions Cup and the Intercontinental Cup. In the “royal” club, the midfielder spent five years.
International
In 2006, the player moved to Inter. The Italian team was the last in the career of a football player. He spent four seasons at the club and became the four-time national champion.
On May 31, 2009, Figo held a farewell match. The game was played against Atalanta. The midfielder entered the field with a captain's armband and spent 42 minutes. When a player was changed, teammates lined up in one line, and the match was interrupted for several minutes.
After completing his football career, Luis Figo did not leave the sports field. He stayed at Inter and took the lead. Quite often, the former star can be seen on the bench of the Italian club next to the head coach.
The Portuguese football player was loved by millions of football fans around the world. Luis Figo made a huge contribution to world football and made history as one of the best Portuguese players.