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Luis Figo

Luís Filipe Madeira Caeiro Figo is a retired Portuguese footballer who played as a midfielder and right winger.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Luís Filipe Madeira Caeiro Figo is a retired Portuguese footballer who played as a midfielder and right winger. He represented Sporting CP, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan, and won the 2000 Ballon d’Or and the 2001 FIFA World Player of the Year award.

Early life and youth career

Figo was born in Almada, Portugal, on 4 November 1972. He began his professional career with Sporting CP before moving to larger European clubs.

Club career

Figo played for Sporting CP, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan during a career spanning roughly two decades. He won domestic league titles in Spain and Italy, as well as the UEFA Champions League and other major trophies.

International career

Figo made 127 appearances for Portugal and scored 32 goals. He represented Portugal at multiple European Championships and World Cups, and was part of the squads that reached the Euro 2004 final and the 2006 World Cup semi-finals.

Individual recognition

Figo received some of football’s highest individual awards, including the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year. He was also named in the FIFA 100 list of the greatest living players.

Key facts

  • He was one of Portugal’s most decorated footballers and was included in Pelé’s FIFA 100 list of the world’s greatest living players.
  • Figo won major individual honours including the Ballon d’Or in 2000 and the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 2001.
  • He played for both Barcelona and Real Madrid, two of Spain’s biggest rival clubs.
  • With Portugal, he earned 127 caps and scored 32 goals.
  • He helped Portugal reach the Euro 2004 final and the 2006 FIFA World Cup semi-finals.
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Canadian context

Figo has no major direct Canada-specific connection in the provided sources, but he is a globally recognized football figure often referenced in international soccer coverage followed by Canadian readers.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Luis Figo?
Luis Figo is a retired Portuguese footballer best known for his club career at Sporting CP, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan.
What position did Luis Figo play?
He is described as a midfielder and right winger.
What are Luis Figo’s biggest awards?
His major individual awards include the 2000 Ballon d’Or and the 2001 FIFA World Player of the Year award.
How many times did Luis Figo play for Portugal?
He played 127 matches for Portugal and scored 32 goals.
Did Luis Figo play for both Barcelona and Real Madrid?
Yes. He is one of the few players to have represented both clubs.
When did Luis Figo retire?
He ended his playing career in 2009.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lu%C3%ADs_Figo
    Supports: birth date, clubs, honours, Portugal caps/goals, major awards, FIFA 100, rival-club distinction
  2. UEFA — https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/0254-0e79d01a0655-22713ebe4871-1000--luis-figo/
    Supports: club list
  3. UEFA Foundation — https://www.uefafoundation.org/general-information/structure-and-organisation/luis-figo-2/
    Supports: birthplace, awards, Portugal caps/goals, post-retirement role
  4. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/bio/_/id/20334/luis-figo
    Supports: birth date, birthplace, nationality
  5. Laureus — https://www.laureus.com/world-sports-academy/members/lu-s-figo
    Supports: retirement date, played for Barcelona and Real Madrid, Portugal appearances
  6. Real Madrid — https://www.realmadrid.com/en-US/the-club/history/football-legends/luis-filipe-madeira-caeiro
    Supports: full name, birthplace, birth date, position, appearances, goals