Luis Figo turns 46: 5 memorable moments from Figo's glorious career

Few players have dared to cross line in a footballing rivalry. Even fewer have chosen to switch allegiances between bitter rivals. However, Luis Figo dared to cross Spanish footballing divide way back during turn of decade when Portugal winger decided to move from Barcelona to Real Madrid. As Portuguese great turned 46 on Monday, here’s a look at five most memorable moments from his glorious footballing career.

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1. Figo’s move to Barcelona

Luis Figo was an influential player for Barcelona when he moved to Camp u in 1995. Figo was on brink of signing for Italian giants Juventus, but Barcelona availed his services first when his move to Italy fell through in a £2.25 million deal. He would go on to score 45 goals for Barcelona during his career, including a brilliant strike in an El Clasico fixture against Real Madrid. 

2. Luis Figo kicks off Galactico era

One of most shocking days in history of Barcelona was when Luis Figo decided to move to ir bitter rivals Real Madrid in 2000. Having seen Ronaldo Nazario depart for Inter Milan three years prior to Luis Figo's departure, FC Barcelona's manment was criticized to let go of one of most talented players of that generation. And so, Luis Figo completed a €62 million move to Santiago Bernabeu, a world record back n. 

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3. Luis Figo receives vitriolic Barcelona welcome

Three months after his world-record move to Real Madrid, Luis Figo returned to Camp u albeit in a Real Madrid jersey this time. Bodyguards were assigned to charismatic winger to protect him, while malicious chants took over stadium as he walked out to play. Figo's second return to Camp u was even more memorable, albeit for wrong reasons. As Figo walked up to take a corner for Los Blancos, a Barcelona fan threw a pig's head onto pitch; an im that would go down to become one of most iconic moments in history of rivalry between two clubs. 

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4. Luis Figo: A Ballon d'Or winner

Luis Figo has been widely regarded as one of most talented players of his generation. Proof of that belief would come in year he moved to Real Madrid. At end of year 2000, Luis Figo picked up  Ballon d'Or award. award put him in excellent company, with likes of Rivaldo, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo Nazario winning prestigious award in earlier years. 

5. Luis Figo: Champions League winner

season after Figo picked up Ballon d'Or award, saw Portugal great taste European success with Real Madrid. season after Real Madrid secured 2001 LaLiga title, Luis Figo would lead Los Blancos to 2001-02 Champions League cup. Figo went on to score three goals in 10 Champions League appearances for Real Madrid that season. After a productive spell with Real Madrid that included 239 games, 57 goals, two LaLiga titles, one UEFA Champions League and one UEFA Super Cup, Figo would go on to call time on his playing career with Inter Milan.

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