The Figo Affair: The Transfer that Changed Football review: More than just a football transfer

3/5

Story: In the summer of 2000 Real Madrid presidential hopeful Florentino Pérez promised voters that he would sign Luis Figo, one of the biggest superstars in world football, from their arch-rivals Barcelona if he were elected President. Scoffed and ridiculed at the very notion at first, but when the transfer did finally materialise it became one of the most hostile transfers in football history.

Review: Those who follow European club football will be aware of the ‘Galacticos’ — Florentino Pérez’s vision of a European super team of the world’s biggest stars. It also made the Real Madrid scouting team and the coaching staff redundant as a politician was deciding on the football side of things for the Spanish giants. Pérez ended up signing Zidane, Ronaldo, Beckham, Robinho, Makélélé, Ramos, and Figo. This was already a team that boasted superstars such as Casillas. Hierro, Raúl, Guti, Roberto Carlos, and many more. But the promise of bringing Figo from Barcelona was meant to be a statement signing that would not only give Real Madrid a psychological advantage but also deprive Barcelona of their star player. Most importantly Pérez

Not many took it seriously when the story broke out that Figo could be moving to the Spanish capital. Simply because Catalonians adored Figo and he wore the colours of the Blaugrana with pride. And most importantly the fallout, if it were to happen, would be catastrophic. The animosity between the two clubs goes beyond a conventional footballing rivalry, it is deeply rooted within the cultural and political divide of Spain tracing back to the Spanish civil war and in the days of the dictator General Francisco Franco — Barcelona represented the Spanish separatist movement whereas Real Madrid represented the Spanish nationalism. In other words, Figo had the weight of history on his shoulders.

The documentary sheds light on why Figo even considered switching sides. He gives his own account of what compelled him to make the switch. Unfortunately for the great footballer, he comes off as naive, because it appears he was forced into the move by his advisers. his agent Jose Veiga, and all those who would profit from the transfer. While argues that he didn’t feel ‘loved’ enough by the Barcelona board because they refused to offer him more money. To make matters worse Figo even gave an interview claiming that he would never make the switch just days before he actually signed for Real Madrid.

Despite what might think of Figo as an individual, the abuse he received after the transfer is something no one should ever go through. The dark side of football reared its ugly head as Figo’s visit to the Nou Camp as a Real Madrid player was extremely hostile. Objects were hurled onto the pitch including the head of a suckling pig — something which wasn’t discussed extensively in the documentary. But the worst part of the fiasco was the abuses and threats against his family. The whole transfer saga was a cocktail of man’s fragile ego, agents fuelled by greed, another man’s lust for power, and a hostile fanbase that turned on their hero.

The documentary roped in both Florentino Pérez and then Barcelona president Joan Gaspard for exclusive interviews. And quite incredibly, it also features footballing royalty Pep Guardiola, Roberto Carlos, and Fernando Hierro. However, there are a few minor deficiencies that hold back the documentary. The editing and narrative aspect are askew and the non-linear chronology could confuse the audience, especially those who are new to this story.

Verdict: An engaging documentary that gives great insight into one of the most controversial football transfers in history.