According to reports from Marca, Portuguese football legend Luís Figo has offered an unconventional piece of advice to his former club, Real Madrid, suggesting it could be the key to unlocking better performances from the squad. The comments were made during an event focused on the importance of hydration in sports, held at the headquarters of the Spanish Football League (LaLiga).
The legendary winger, reflecting on his own habits, drew a distinct line between the intuitive approach of his generation and the data-driven methods of today’s athletes. “In my generation, hydration was a necessary concept, not something you knew was essential for performance, health, and recovery,” Figo stated. He elaborated that his intake was guided more by bodily sensation than scientific protocol, admitting, “I am not the type to drink water just for hydration if I don’t feel thirsty.”
A Period of Instability for the Spanish Giants
Figo’s advice comes at a pivotal moment for the Merengues. The club has recently navigated a turbulent phase marked by inconsistent results, a period severe enough to precipitate the dismissal of former coach Xabi Alonso and the subsequent appointment of Álvaro Arbeloa as his replacement. This managerial shake-up, however, has not immediately steadied the ship.
The team’s struggles have manifested in significant competitive setbacks. An early exit from the Copa del Rey was followed by a failure to secure a top-eight finish in the UEFA Champions League, consigning them to the play-off round to qualify for the tournament’s last 16. This sequence of events has cast a spotlight on the team’s need to find a new formula for success.
Delving deeper into his personal philosophy, Figo acknowledged a complex relationship with hydration. “I make sure to drink plenty of water, not only that, but also other drinks that may not be beneficial for the body, but I enjoy them,” he confessed, highlighting a balance between discipline and personal enjoyment. He also pondered the individual nature of physiological responses, questioning whether excessive water intake increases perspiration, a trait he possesses naturally.
Bringing the focus squarely back to his former team, Figo concluded with a direct and simple recommendation. “The team needs to drink more water to play better,” he asserted. In his view, this fundamental practice, often overlooked, is a catalyst that “improves mental health, performance, and recovery,” a foundation upon which the squad’s undeniable talents can truly flourish.