Figo: 'Madrid need better hydration to play better'
Portuguese legend Luis Figo reflects on changing attitudes to hydration in football, from the 'dinosaur era' when players smoked in dressing rooms to modern science-based approaches.
The Real Madrid and Barcelona legend shares insights on football’s evolving relationship with hydration and nutrition, while taking a cheeky dig at his former club’s current form.
Luis Figo participated in a LaLiga event focused on the importance of hydration in sport, organized in partnership with Solán de Cabras. The Portuguese icon shared the stage with Fernando Llorente, Amaia Salamanca, and Maxi Iglesias, offering fascinating reflections on how player habits have transformed since his playing days.
From necessity to science
Figo revealed that during his generation, hydration was viewed purely as a response to thirst rather than a scientific approach to performance enhancement.
“In my generation, the concept of hydration was about necessity, not understanding it was essential for performance, health and recovery,” Figo explained. “It had much more to do with my body asking for it than having scientific knowledge.”
The former Ballon d’Or winner noted that proper nutrition guidance came remarkably late in his career: “In a world of high competition, I only had a nutritionist from 2004 onwards.”
The ‘dinosaur era’
Perhaps most eye-opening were Figo’s comments about the stark contrast between today’s professional environment and when he started his career:
“When I started at 18, in the dinosaur era, people smoked in the dressing room and drank during breaks,” he recalled. “There’s been a transformation in everything, including this area.”
The Portuguese star also mentioned how coaches would actively discourage hydration during training sessions: “If you said ‘I need to hydrate,’ the coach would say ‘no no, what do you mean hydrate?’ thinking you just wanted a rest.”
Madrid’s current struggles
When asked about Real Madrid’s current form, Figo couldn’t resist a bit of banter:
“Madrid need to hydrate more to play better,” he quipped. “It gives you mental health, performance and better recovery, because talent they already have. With Solán de Cabras, of course.”
It’s a cheeky response that shows Figo’s still got that playful side, even while promoting the event’s sponsor. His comments highlight how far football has come in sports science, while suggesting his former club might benefit from embracing these modern approaches more fully.