The Figo case: The signing that revolutionized Spanish football in the 2000

Last update 2 August, 2025 by Alberto Llopis

July of the year 2000. In full euphoria for the Eurocup, A news shook the world of football: Luis Figo, FC Barcelona icon, It was announced as a new signing of Real Madrid. No one believed it possible, until it happened.

The call cool case Not only did he break an economic record, but also the emotional logic of sport. It was a transfer that redefined the rules of the game and caused one of the greatest identity crises in the history of modern football.

What exactly was the Figo case?

He cool case refers to Luis Figo's transfer from FC Barcelona to Real Madrid in the summer of 2000. The transfer was executed by the then Candidate for the Blanca Presidency, Florentino Perez, as an unprecedented electoral promise.

Pérez not only promised the signing; paid the termination clause of 10.000 million pesetas (60 millions of euros), turning Figo into most expensive signing in the world at that moment.

An electoral strategy turned into a revolution

Florentino Pérez revolutionized electoral campaigns in football. His promise to bring the star of the eternal rival was seen as impossible, until Figo agreed to sign a pre -contract with economic penalty if it was not fulfilled. The result: The presidency was his, And the Portuguese became the first “galactic”.

Betrayal and hate at Camp Nou

Figo, Until then captain and Barça symbol, He was labeled as a traitor. The Catalan press called it "The Judas del Soccer", And the fans never forgave it.

The most infamous return: November 2002

On his second visit to Camp Nou with the Real Madrid shirt, The stadium became an unprecedented hatred stage:

• Tickets were released with their face, as a corruption symbol.

• A pig head flew to the lawn.

• The atmosphere was so tense that the party was close to suspending.

It was a turning point in Barça-Madrid rivalry.

Figo at Real Madrid: Sports success under the shadow of the scandal

Despite the rejection, Luis Figo shone as a merengue player. Contributed to Real Madrid resurgence with:

• 2 Suspenders (2000–01 y 2002–03)

• 1 Champions League (2001–02)

• 1 European Super Cup

• 1 Ballon d'Or in 2000

His technical quality and game vision made him one of the great, although his figure was marked by the scandal rather than by his achievements.

The impact of the Figo case on world football

The Figo case was a rupture of paradigms:

• The termination clauses ceased to be deterrent.

• The concept of "galactic" was established.

• Barça-Madrid rivalry reached a new dimension, Not only sports but ideological.

Figo's transfer inaugurated an era of millionaire signings without sentimentality, where loyalty was in the background.

More than two decades from the Figo case: Traitor or pioneer?

Hoy, more of 20 years later, The Figo case is still a debate:

• For some, It was a bold movement that transformed the market.

• For others, An unforgivable betrayal.

The truth is that Figo changed the course of the history of Spanish football. Without your signing, Real Madrid Galactic, Modern rivalry and signing policy would be very different.

Frequent questions about the figo case

When was Figo's signing for Real Madrid?

In July of the year 2000, After the presidential campaign of Florentino Pérez.

How much did the signing of Figo cost?

60 millions of euros (10.000 million pesetas), The highest clause at that time.

Why is it considered a traitor to Figo?

Because he went directly from Barça to Real Madrid being captain and reference, what the culés interpreted as a betrayal.

What did Figo win at Real Madrid?

League two, a Champions, A Golden Ball and several minor titles.

What happened on your return to Camp Nou?

Was received with insults, banners and launch of objects, including a pork head.

What was the impact of the Figo case on the market?

Showed that any clause can be executed, giving way to a much more aggressive market.

The signing that defined an era

He cool case It wasn't just a transfer, It was an emotional and cultural fracture between two Spanish football giants. It was the beginning of the galactic project, The end of football innocence and the beginning of a market governed by clauses, millions and media power.

Luis Figo not only changed t -shirts; The story of football changed forever.