In the summer of 2000, Real Madrid pulled off one of the biggest transfer coups in football history by signing Portuguese superstar Luis Figo from fierce rivals Barcelona. The move sent shockwaves through the football world and sparked a bitter feud between the two Spanish giants that would last for years to come.
Background
Figo had established himself as one of the best players in the world during his five-year spell at Barcelona. He had won two La Liga titles, a Copa del Rey, and a European Cup with the Catalan club and was widely regarded as their talismanic figure.
However, tensions began to rise between Figo and Barcelona’s new president, Joan Gaspart. The Portuguese winger was unhappy with Gaspart’s handling of contract negotiations and felt undervalued by the club.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid had just appointed a new president of their own – Florentino Perez. Perez was determined to restore Los Blancos to their former glory and believed that signing Figo would be the key to achieving this goal.
The Transfer Saga
Perez knew that prising Figo away from Barcelona would not be easy. Not only was he their star player, but he was also adored by the club’s fans. However, Perez was not deterred and set about trying to make it happen.
Real Madrid made an initial bid of €30 million for Figo, which was rejected out of hand by Barcelona. Undeterred, Perez upped his offer to €45 million – a world-record fee at the time.
Barcelona were still unwilling to sell their prized asset, but Figo had other ideas. He knew that his relationship with Gaspart had broken down irreparably and he was ready for a new challenge.
In a move that shocked Barcelona fans around the world, Figo handed in a transfer request in July 2000. This put enormous pressure on the Barcelona board to accept Real Madrid’s offer, and they eventually caved in to the Portuguese winger’s demands.
The Fallout
The fallout from Figo’s transfer was immense. Barcelona fans were outraged that their beloved star had joined their bitter rivals and they made their feelings known by pelting him with objects during his first match back at the Camp Nou.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid fans were jubilant. They had just signed one of the best players in the world from their arch-nemesis and they knew that it would give them a huge advantage in the years to come.
Figo went on to have a successful five-year spell at Real Madrid, winning two La Liga titles and a Champions League trophy. However, he will always be remembered as the player who sparked one of the biggest transfer sagas in football history.