Football News: Born in 1972, Luis Filipe Madeira Caeiro Figo had a colourful career in Portugal, Spain and Italy before winding down his years with a spell in Saudi Arabia.

He started his career at Sporing Lisbon before he made his debut as a sprightly 17-year-old. Such was Figo's talent that only two years later, in 1991, he made his full international debut.

However, the ban was soon lifted and Figo eventually decided upon Barcelona, under Johan Cruyff.

The move proved beneficial for Figo as he soon excelled with the Catalans. He was a pivotal figure in a side that won the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1997, the European Super Cup in 1998, back-to-back Primera Liga titles in 1998 and 1999, as well as the Copa del Rey in 1997 and 1998.

After leading the side and winning the hearts of the Barcelona fans, Figo soon became villain No.1 when he made a sensational move to Real Madrid for a then-world transfer record £38.7million in 2000.

Figo's transfer only added heat to the already passionate Derbies between the two sides. The Portuguese midfielder seemed unfazed and if the 2000 European Footballer of the Year wasn't enough, he added the following year's FIFA World Player of the Year to his collection.

Playing alongside the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Roberto Carlos, Ronaldo and Raul, Figo became an integral part of Real's success: another double helping of Primera Liga success (in 2001 and 2003) and the elusive Champions League trophy in 2002.

Figo's international career was also an illustrious one. He was instrumental in turning Portugal into an attacking and free-flowing outfit and the 2000 European Championships marked the start of his country's resurgent play in major tournaments - 2002 World Cup aside, when they were defeated by South Korea and the United States.

In 2005, Figo moved to Serie A's Inter Milan on a free transfer and a two-year deal worth around £6million. (Sportasylum).