Luis Figo, Portuguese champion and winner of the Ballon d'Or in 2000, gave an exclusive interview to DAZN during the 2026 award ceremony at the London Palladium. The former midfielder, who spent a significant part of his career with Inter, shared his reflections on the value of recognition and his links with the Nerazzurri club.
In his speech, Figo underlined the importance of the award ceremony, calling it "the most important in the world of football". He expressed his hope for an enjoyable evening and acknowledged that all candidates deserve victory for different reasons, thus making the choice extremely difficult. “It's difficult to choose a winner when all the nominees have valid merit,” he said, highlighting the exceptional level of competition among the most talented players on the international scene.
As for Inter, Figo declared that he follows it constantly and keeps it in his heart. “I always follow Inter, it's in my heart,” he said, showing deep respect for the team that saw him grow. He also expressed positive thoughts towards the Italian defender Alessandro Chivu, calling him a good friend and wishing him the best. “A hug to the Nerazzurri fans,” he concluded, showing his affection for the club's supporters.
The interview fits into a broader context of Figo's comments on contemporary football, including criticism of FIFA president Gianni Infantino and observations on the future of Real Madrid and Real Madrid. However, the main statement remains his affirmation of love for Inter and his desire to see the club continue to prosper.
With the Ballon d'Or ceremony now over, Figo is preparing to enjoy the evening and continue to follow the evolution of world football. His testimony once again underlines the indissoluble bond between the former player and the club, and his role as an ambassador for football on a global level.