Roberto Carlos spent more than a decade sharing a locker room with some of the greatest players in football history at Real Madrid, but when asked which former teammate surprised him the most, the legendary left back did not hesitate.
For the Brazilian icon, that distinction belongs to Portuguese midfielder Luis Figo. “He was a fantastic player in my opinion, and he really surprised me,” Roberto Carlos said when reflecting on his time with Los Blancos. Coming from a defender who played alongside figures such as Raúl, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo Nazário and Fernando Hierro, the praise carries significant weight.
Figo arrived at Real Madrid in the summer of 2000 from FC Barcelona in a move that sent shockwaves through Spanish football. At the time, he became the most expensive signing in the game, and he quickly justified that status with consistent, high-level performances.
A key part of Los Galácticos
Known for his dribbling ability, vision and precise passing, Figo became a key part of Madrid’s attacking play, providing assists that benefited every forward he lined up with. Beyond his technical quality, Roberto Carlos highlighted Figo’s leadership, noting his role as a captain and influential presence on the pitch.
Before his move to Madrid, Figo had already shown his potential at Sporting de Portugal, where he emerged at a young age as one of Europe‘s most promising talents. His success followed him to every club he represented, and at the Santiago Bernabéu he became a central figure in one of the most star-studded squads the sport has seen.
That Real Madrid team enjoyed sustained success, winning seven major titles during Figo‘s time at the club, including the club’s ninth European Cup, captured in Glasgow. Individually, Figo reached the pinnacle of the sport in 2000 when he was awarded the Ballon d’Or, cementing his status among the world’s elite players.
Roberto Carlos had a legendary run with Real Madrid
Roberto Carlos, whose own legacy at Real Madrid includes more than a dozen trophies and three Champions League titles over 11 seasons, remains one of the club’s most iconic figures. Renowned for his speed, consistency and powerful left foot, he played a key role in Madrid’s success before departing in 2007 after winning a league title.
Among the many stars he shared the field with, it is Figo who left the most lasting impression, a testament to the Portuguese midfielder’s impact during one of the most celebrated eras in Real Madrid history.
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