Mystery FIFA presidential candidate revealed

He is the mystery man running for FIFA's top job who Football Federation Australia (FFA) chairman Frank Lowy said he hoped would introduce himself when the game's power-brokers converge on Zurich in May for the presidential vote.

s

Just who is the mystery candidate from Portugal running for FIFA's presidency? (Getty/SBS) Source: Getty Images

Speaking at the launch of , Lowy, who gets one vote on the FIFA presidency as FFA's boss, said he'd never met the candidate from Portugal and hoped that the man would introduce himself in May.
"There are interesting candidates, yes," Lowy said. "I met them, in fact I met all of them, except the guy from Portugal. I haven't met him, but no doubt he'll make himself known to me before the end of the election period."
The World Game can now reveal it is none other than legendary footballer Luis Figo, whose distinguished career included trophy-laden stints at Sporting, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan.

Described, fairly in our view, as one of the original Galacticos, Figo's trophy cabinet includes two La Liga titles, a UEFA Champions League title and a UEFA Super Cup with Madrid; two domestic titles and a UEFA Super Cup with Barcelona; four Serie A titles with Inter and a FIFA Under-20 World Cup with Portugal - who Figo captained at senior level during a 127-match international career.

You would struggle to find a player with a more decorated career. When Figo joined Madrid from Barca, he sparked outrage in Catalonia and infamously had a pig's hurled at him during an El Clasico in the famous white strip. He won multiple titles at both clubs.   

It's impressive stuff on paper. Here's what Figo could do on the ball:
That's just a snapshot of a skillset that landed Figo the Ballon d'Or in 2000, FIFA World Player of the Year in 2001 and a Golden Foot in 2011.

In February Figo confirmed his candidacy for the FIFA presidency, revealing he had the requisite support from five of the confederations.
Lowy outlined the importance of the the vote. 

"I think there are people they will find who want to do the job and I think they will find people for the right positions," he said. "It's a challenge to make the decision of who it will be. It will be a challenge for the people to get elected.

"Different work is needed between now and the next 10 years than in the last 10 years. We were nowhere and now we are somewhere."

At least his task will be easier, now that he knows who 'the guy from Portugal is'.


Share
Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, Dakar Rally, World Athletics / ISU Championships (and more) via SBS On Demand – your free live streaming and catch-up service. Read more about Sport
Have a story or comment? Contact Us

Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, Dakar Rally, World Athletics / ISU Championships (and more) via SBS On Demand – your free live streaming and catch-up service.
Watch nowOn Demand
Follow SBS Sport
2 min read
Published 6 May 2015 10:44am
Updated 6 May 2015 1:11pm
By Tom Findlay
Source: SBS

Share this with family and friends