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

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

Also Read | LaLiga Matchday 12 Review: Barcelona Falter, Madrid Clubs Secure Draws

1. Figo’s move to Barcelona

Luis Figo was an influential player for Barcelona when he moved to Camp Nou in 1995. Figo was on the 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 the Galactico era

One of the most shocking days in the history of Barcelona was when Luis Figo decided to move to their 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 management was criticized to let go of one of the most talented players of that generation. And so, Luis Figo completed a €62 million move to the Santiago Bernabeu, a world record back then. 

Also Read | Mario Balotelli Suffers Racist Abuse, Walks Off The Pitch During Match

3. Luis Figo receives vitriolic Barcelona welcome

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

Also Read | Everton Vs Tottenham: Five Talking Points From 1-1 Draw On Matchday 11

4. Luis Figo: A Ballon d'Or winner

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

5. Luis Figo: Champions League winner

The season after Figo picked up the Ballon d'Or award, saw the Portugal great taste European success with Real Madrid. The season after Real Madrid secured the 2001 LaLiga title, Luis Figo would lead the Los Blancos to the 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.

Also Read | Liverpool Vs Manchester City: Title Contenders Grab Late Wins In PL