Football

Luis Figo

He has matured from a precocious winger who won the under-16 and under-20 FIFA World Championship to one of the most sought-after playmakers in world football.

He can play on either wing, but now more usually plays in midfield, where he can dictate the play. Supremely skilful, he can take on and beat defenders and also make killer passes.

He also starred at EURO 96™, where he scored once in his four appearances, and scored three goals in eight EURO 2000™ qualifying matches.

Figo was born in Lisbon in 1972 and is one of the few players at FC Barcelona to have survived the reigns of Johan Cruyff and Louis Van Gaal.

Figo moved to Barcelona from Sporting Clube de Portugal in 1995 for the cut-price fee of £1.5 million after contradictory contracts signed by Figo and his agent for moves to both Parma AC and Juventus FC resulted in the midfielder receiving a two year ban from Italian football.

It proved a blessing in disguise, for Figo has become a much-loved figure at the Nou Camp stadium and when Pep Guardiola fell out of favour with Van Gaal, Figo was made club captain.

Many people argue that Figo is one of the most under-rated players in the world because Portugal do not enjoy the high profile afforded the national teams of such countries as Brazil and Spain.

Country: Portugal
Club: FC Real Madrid
Born: 04/11/1972
Height: 1.80m
Weight: 75kg

Position: Forward
Shirt Number: 7