Roberto Carlos unveils which former Real Madrid player surprised him the most

Roberto Carlos spent more than a decade sharing a locker room with some of the greatest players in football history at Real Madrid , but when asked which former teammate surprised him the most, the legendary left back did not hesitate.

For the Brazilian icon, that distinction belongs to Portuguese midfielder Luis Figo . "He was a fantastic player in my opinion, and he really surprised me," Roberto Carlos said when reflecting on his time with Los Blancos . Coming from a defender who played alongside figures such as Raúl, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo Nazário and Fernando Hierro , the praise carries significant weight.

Figo arrived at Real Madrid in the summer of 2000 from FC Barcelona in a move that sent shockwaves through Spanish football. At the time, he became the most expensive signing in the game, and he quickly justified that status with consistent, high-level performances.

A key part of Los Galácticos

Known for his dribbling ability, vision and precise passing, Figo became a key part of Madrid' s attacking play, providing assists that benefited every forward he lined up with. Beyond his technical quality, Roberto Carlos highlighted Figo' s leadership, noting his role as a captain and influential presence on the pitch.

Before his move to Madrid, Figo had already shown his potential at Sporting de Portugal, where he emerged at a young age as one of Europe 's most promising talents. His success followed him to every club he represented, and at the Santiago Bernabéu he became a central figure in one of the most star-studded squads the sport has seen.

That Real Madrid team enjoyed sustained success, winning seven major titles during Figo 's time at the club, including the club's ninth European Cup , captured in Glasgow . Individually, Figo reached the pinnacle of the sport in 2000 when he was awarded the Ballon d'Or , cementing his status among the world's elite players.

Roberto Carlos had a legendary run with Real Madrid

Roberto Carlos , whose own legacy at Real Madrid includes more than a dozen trophies and three Champions League titles over 11 seasons, remains one of the club's most iconic figures. Renowned for his speed, consistency and powerful left foot, he played a key role in Madrid' s success before departing in 2007 after winning a league title.

Among the many stars he shared the field with, it is Figo who left the most lasting impression, a testament to the Portuguese midfielder's impact during one of the most celebrated eras in Real Madrid history.