Last year it was Europe, now Luis Figo has conquered the world.

The Real Madrid and Portugal star has been named Fifa's World Player of the Year after finishing runner-up to Zinedine Zidane in 2000.

The 29-year-old has emerged from his French team-mate's shadow after ceding the most expensive footballer tag to him this summer.

World-wide recognition of the winger's talents is no less than Figo deserves given his contribution to both club and country.

In the same way that David Beckham inspired England to World Cup qualification, Figo performed similar feats for Portugal.

And the Portuguese icon helped Real Madrid to win the Spanish league in his first season with the club.

A footballer of immense talent, Figo emerged as one of Europe's leading talents while still with the Catalan giants.

Playing alongside Brazil's Rivaldo and Ronaldo, he was part of the Barcelona side that won back to back league titles in 1997 and 1998.

Such was his value, that Real Madrid were prepared to part with �37m to prize him away from the Nou Camp.

Motivated by the desire to land the biggest club prize in Europe, Figo joined the Madrid giants in a move that sent shockwaves around the Iberian peninsula.

In the eyes of his fervent followers, the Portuguese midfielder had committed the ultimate act of betrayal.

Instant genius

Yet Figo refused to be weighed down by the Judas status he acquired on the streets of Barcelona and beyond.

Prior to his Madrid move, Figo excelled at Euro 2000, where a string of fine performances almost took Portugal to the final.

But again Zidane beat him to it, scoring a controversial golden goal penalty that sealed a semi-final win for France, who went on to win the tournament.

An imposing figure on the pitch, Figo is the complete attacking player.