Luís Filipe Madeira Caeiro Figo known as Luís Figo was born in Almada (Setúbal-Lisbon) on November 4, 1972.
He was a product of the Sporting Lisbon youth academy which he joined at 13.
In 1989 he was added to the first team squad. He went on to play 158 games with 23 goals over six seasons. The "Leões" (Lions) finished 3rd twice, 4th, 3rd again twice and 2nd. In 1994-95 the Verde e Brancos won the Portuguese Cup and Figo was top scorer with 4 goals. His managers included Raúl Águas, Marinho Peres, Sir Bobby Robson and Carlos Queiroz.
In 1995 he moved to Catalunya and joined Barcelona. He stayed five successful seasons winning 2 Ligas, 2 Copa del Rey, a Spanish Supercup, a UEFA Winners’ Cup and a UEFA Super Cup. He played a total of 249 games with 45 goals. His managers with Barça included Johan Cruijff, Bobby Robson and Louis Van Gaal.
In 2000 he controversially left the Blaugrana and joined bitter rivals Real Madrid (the Barça fans threw a pig's head at him when he returned to the Nou Camp…). He stayed with the Merengues for five seasons and there too he won plenty of trophies. The Blancos won 2 Ligas, 2 Super Cups, a Champions League, a UEFA Super Cup and an Intercontinental Cup. It was with Real that he won the Ballon d'Or in 2000 and FIFA World Player in 2001. He played a total of 245 games with 57 goals. His managers in Madrid included Vicente del Bosque, Carlos Queiroz, José Camacho and Vanderlei Luxemburgo.
In 2005 he left Spain and joined Inter in the Italian Serie A. He stayed four seasons. In Milan he continued to win trophies; the Scudetto 4 times, a Coppa Italia and 3 Italian Supercoppe. He played 140 games with 11 goals. With the Nerazzurri his manager was Roberto Mancini for three seasons and José Mourinho for one.
After a highly successful career he then retired at 36.
At international level he played 127 times for Portugal and scored 32 goals. He played in two World Cups and three European Championships. Portugal were Euro runners-up in 2004, losing the final 0-1 to Greece in Lisbon and came 4th at the 2006 World Cup. At U21 level Figo won another silver medal at Euro 1994 while he won gold with the U20s at Euro 1991 and with the U16s at Euro 1989.
Figo was a superb player. He was a right winger, extremely skilful and quick. He had the ability to get past defenders with his dribbling and speed and had an excellent cross. The ideal teammate for strikers. He was also a strong character, charismatic and with a winning mentality.
He is considered one of the best European players of the 20th/21st century.
Since retiring he has worked for Inter, run for FIFA President and worked as a football advisor and ambassador for UEFA.
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