03/10/2025
Laporta forced to make statement after Luis Figo's appearances cause fan outrage
Luis Figo’s controversial transfer from Barcelona to Real Madrid in 2000 remains one of football’s most infamous betrayals. The Portuguese winger moved for a then world-record £37 million, prompting fury among Barcelona fans, who branded him a "traitor."
Figo had been on track to win the Ballon d’Or as a Barcelona player, but ultimately received the award while wearing the white shirt of their fiercest rivals. Nearly 25 years later, the anger surrounding his move resurfaced when it was confirmed he would attend Barcelona’s Champions League clash with PSG in his role as a UEFA ambassador.
Seated in the director’s box, it was Figo’s first appearance at Camp Nou since 2009, when he returned as an Inter Milan player. Barcelona president Joan Laporta defended his presence, urging fans to respect Figo’s past contributions, which included two league titles, two Copa del Reys, and a UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup.
“He’s a member of UEFA and that must be respected,” Laporta said. “He was a Barça player who gave us unforgettable nights. He made his decision, but life goes on. He’ll be received with all due respect.”
Not everyone shared that sentiment. Joan Gaspart, the club president during Figo’s defection, vowed to “completely ignore him” in the directors’ box. Gaspart, powerless to stop Florentino Pérez from triggering Figo’s release clause in 2000, has never hidden his disdain.
“I won’t greet him, I won’t speak to him. The box is big enough to avoid him,” Gaspart told Què t’hi jugues! “As a Barça fan, I don’t forget and I never will. He’s not a pleasant person. For me, Figo is the only enemy Barcelona has.”
Despite the tension, Figo’s return passed without incident as he watched PSG beat Barcelona 2-1. This was a stark contrast to his hostile receptions as a player. His first return in October 2000 was met with relentless jeers, while his second infamously saw a pig’s head hurled onto the pitch, forcing a 20-minute stoppage as objects rained down from the stands.
Figo justified his move on the pitch, helping Madrid to the 2001 La Liga title and earning the FIFA World Player of the Year award. He went on to win the Champions League in 2002 and another league title before leaving for Inter Milan in 2005.
Yet, the controversy has never fully faded. In 2015, Barcelona blocked him from appearing in a legends match, and earlier this year he clashed with a supporter at the Women’s Champions League final dinner, responding with a crude gesture before confronting them directly.
