Luis Figo didn’t hesitate when naming the one England legend that he wishes he was able to play alongside for Real Madrid.
Portugal legend Figo infamously made the ‘forbidden’ move between the two El Clasico rivals in 2000, leaving Barca to join Real.
The backlash from Barca fans at the time was incomprehensible to what today’s reaction to such a move might be, but Figo went on to enjoy five successful years with Real before ending his playing career with Inter Milan.
During his time at the Bernabeu, Figo played alongside some of the stars of the ‘Galacticos’ era under president Florentino Perez, including Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos.
In terms of England internationals, David Beckham, Steve McManaman and Michael Owen all played alongside him at Real as well.
But Figo wishes that he had been able to play alongside another England star during his time in Spain – Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard.
Gerrard once revealed that he turned down Real Madrid in 2010 when Jose Mourinho had recently taken charge, but Figo had left Los Blancos five years previously.
There was interest from Real Madrid earlier in his career, and Gerrard also rejected a move to Chelsea in 2004, but he never played in the famous white – and sometimes gold – shirt.
Figo and Gerrard would play against each other, however, including in a Liverpool Legends vs Real Madrid Legends clash in March 2017.
Speaking after that match, Figo said: “The moment in life when we had the possibility to play together, that wasn’t possible.
“I think it is a pity, because everyone wants to play with the best.
“I think Gerrard showed in his career he was one of the best footballers in his position. It was a pity [that we couldn’t play together], but for Liverpool it was lucky because he could show his quality and talent here, at Anfield.”
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Topics: England, Luis Figo, Steven Gerrard, Liverpool, Premier League, Champions League, Real Madrid
Spanish Dream Team Never Materialized: Luis Figo's Pity Over Missed Chance to Play with Steven Gerrard
Published: 17:47 GMT, 27th March 2025
Real Madrid legend Luis Figo has revealed the one English football icon he deeply regrets not having the chance to play alongside during his illustrious career at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Portuguese star, known for his sensational dribbling and playmaking, pinpointed Steven Gerrard as the Premier League maestro he wished had joined him in the Spanish capital.
Figo's own transfer to Real Madrid was a landmark moment, and a controversial one at that. In 2000, he made the audacious move directly from Barcelona to Real Madrid, a transfer that sent shockwaves through the football world and intensified the already fierce El Clásico rivalry. Leaving Barcelona for their arch-rivals sparked intense backlash from Barça fans, a reaction that remains etched in football history.
Despite the tumultuous move, Figo carved out a hugely successful five-year spell with Real Madrid. This era coincided with Real Madrid's 'Galácticos' period, a time of assembling a star-studded squad under the ambitious presidency of Florentino Perez. During this golden age, Figo shared the pitch with global superstars such as:
- Ronaldo Nazário
- Roberto Carlos
- Zinedine Zidane
- David Beckham
Speaking of English talent at Real Madrid, Figo played alongside several England internationals during his time in white. These included David Beckham, Steve McManaman, and Michael Owen, all significant figures in English football. However, it's another Liverpool and England icon who occupies a special place in Figo's thoughts about missed opportunities – Steven Gerrard.
Steven Gerrard: The Anfield Icon Figo Yearned to Partner at Real Madrid
Steven Gerrard, the Liverpool captain and midfield general, was indeed a target for Real Madrid at various points in his career. Notably, Gerrard himself admitted to rejecting a move to Real Madrid in 2010, shortly after José Mourinho took the managerial helm. Unfortunately, by this time, Figo had already departed Real Madrid five years prior, meaning the two legends narrowly missed the chance to team up.
Prior to 2010, Real Madrid's interest in Gerrard dated back further. The tenacious midfielder also famously turned down a lucrative offer from Chelsea in 2004, demonstrating his unwavering loyalty to Liverpool and Anfield. Ultimately, Gerrard remained a one-club man, never gracing the hallowed turf of the Bernabéu as a Real Madrid player.
Figo and Gerrard did experience facing each other on the pitch, including a memorable encounter in a Liverpool Legends versus Real Madrid Legends match in March 2017. Reflecting after this legends game, Figo expressed his regret, stating:
“The moment in life when we had the possibility to play together, that wasn't possible. I think it is a pity, because everyone wants to play with the best. I think Gerrard showed in his career he was one of the best footballers in his position. It was a pity [that we couldn't play together], but for Liverpool it was lucky because he could show his quality and talent here, at Anfield.”
Figo's words underscore the high regard in which Steven Gerrard is held by his peers, even those who reached the pinnacle of the game at Real Madrid. The footballing world can only imagine what magic Figo and Gerrard could have conjured together in the famous white of Real Madrid.
Image Credit: Getty
Topics: England, Luis Figo, Steven Gerrard, Liverpool, Premier League, Champions League, Real Madrid
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