Luís Figo to be Honored at the 2025 Fair Play Menarini International Award

The anticipation builds as the Fair Play Menarini International Award approaches, an event renowned for celebrating not just talent but the spirit of sportsmanship. This year, the spotlight shines on Luís Figo, a man whose name epitomizes excellence in the world of football. A beloved European football legend, Figo is set to be recognized for his remarkable career and unwavering respect for the rules of the game.

Scheduled for July 2nd and 3rd, 2025, in the stunning locales of Florence and Fiesole, this event marks the 29th edition of the Fair Play Menarini International Award. Figo’s accolades and remarkable charisma make him an ideal recipient of this prestigious honor, which highlights the fundamental values of respect and fairness in sports.

Figo’s illustrious career spans several top football clubs, including Sporting Lisbon, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan. He first made waves in international football after joining Barcelona, where his skill and leadership were pivotal. In 2000, after an infamous switch to Real Madrid, he received the renowned Ballon d'Or award, solidifying his status as one of the top players of his generation. During his time with the “Blancos,” he not only won two La Liga titles but also tasted victory in the UEFA Champions League and several international tournaments.

After a successful stint at Real Madrid, Figo continued his journey with Inter Milan, where he added a remarkable four successive Serie A titles from 2006 until 2009, along with a Coppa Italia win and two Italian Super Cups. With 127 appearances for the Portuguese national team, he became a symbol of football excellence, earning accolades for his class, leadership, and utmost respect for the rules of the sport.

The announcement of Figo’s honor is met with excitement, as he will share the stage with other distinguished sports figures recognized for their contributions and commitment to fair play. Notable attendees include Alessandro Costacurta, a long-standing symbol of fair play with AC Milan and the Italian national team; Gianmarco Tamberi, an Olympic and world champion high jumper; and several other sports legends across various disciplines.

Valeria Speroni Cardi and Filippo Paganelli, board members of the Fair Play Menarini Foundation, expressed enthusiasm about Figo's participation, stating, “With Luís Figo, we welcome another extraordinary champion to the Fair Play Menarini Award ceremony. He represents world-class talent, elegance on the field, and a profound respect for the sport's rules. Together with our other honorees this year, he perfectly embodies the values our award has championed for nearly three decades.”

This year’s event is backed by institutional partner, the Istituto per il Credito Sportivo e Culturale, along with several prominent initiatives such as Sustenium, Frecciarossa, Estra, and Adiacent, reflecting the strong support for the ideals of fair play in sports.

As the excitement builds, fans can stay updated on the award's highlights by visiting the official website and following the Fair Play Menarini’s social media channels on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. With the date approaching, the anticipation of celebrating sportsmanship in its finest form is palpable, exemplified by the legendary career of Luís Figo.

Fair Play Menarini International Award