25 years since Luis Figo's controversial transfer | OneFootball

It is not a recent phenomenon for European football to see major stars transferred for astronomical prices and 25 years ago one such transfer caused quite a stir. Luís Figo, then an idol and standout at Barcelona, moved to arch-rival Real Madrid for an unprecedented sum at the time.

The 24th of July, 2000, will forever be etched in the history of the rivalry between the Catalans and Madridistas. It was on this day that the €60 million paid for the Figo not only made it the most expensive transfer at the time but also one of the most controversial.

Having emerged from Sporting CP, Luís Filipe Madeira Caeiro Figo arrived at Barcelona in 1995, following a request by coach Johan Cruyff. He quickly gained prominence and soon became one of the team's key players.

During his five years there, he played in 249 matches and scored 45 goals. He won two Spanish league titles, two Copa del Reys, one Spanish Super Cup, one European Cup Winners' Cup, and one European Super Cup. The only title that eluded him was the much-coveted Champions League.

Florentino Pérez Takes Action

The current president of Real Madrid was just a candidate for the position at the club in 2000, when at a press conference he confidently declared: "If I am elected, Figo will play for Real next season."

Sure enough, on July 17th Florentino Pérez was confirmed as the new president of the Merengues, and just a week later, he announced the signing of the Portuguese star.

The news was not well received in Catalonia and from then on the hatred of Barcelona fans for Luís Figo was born. This became evident on November 23, 2002, during a classic match played at Camp Nou.

In addition to being booed throughout the game, Figo starred in a very curious and symbolic moment. At the 24th minute, as he positioned himself to take a corner kick, a pig's head flew from the stands onto the pitch. In Spain, the object represents betrayal.

While he became hated by the Blaugrana, Figo made the investment worthwhile and won over the Madrilenians. He played 245 games, scored 57 goals, and won significant titles: two league titles, two Spanish Super Cups, one Champions League, and one Club World Cup. Individually, he was crowned the best player in the world in 2001.

Luxemburgo Opens the Exit Door

Vanderlei Luxemburgo, the Brazilian coach who once managed Real Madrid, left without fond memories. In addition to poor results at the helm of the team, he was considered the main reason for Luís Figo's departure in 2005.

With Luxemburgo's arrival, the player, then aged 33, began to frequent the substitutes' bench and consequently forced his departure.

His next destination was Inter Milan, where he would go on to win eight titles before retiring in 2009.