Carles Puyol and Luis Figo become Laureus Academy Members
Global football legends Carles Puyol and Luis Figo have become the newest members of the Laureus World Sports Academy. In their new roles, the two stars will volunteer their time to engage with the work of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, which uses sport as the means to combat some of the toughest social challenges facing young people today.
Carles and Luis got straight to work, visiting Laureus-supported ‘Young Athletes’ project, based in Madrid. The project, which has been developed in partnership with Special Olympics Spain and Laureus since 2008, focuses on instilling hope and developing young people with disabilities.
Carles Puyol, who won three Champions League trophies with Barcelona and achieved European Championship and World Cup glory with Spain, reflected on his visit:
“Sport has given me so much throughout my life and being here today with the kids from ‘Young Athletes’ really shows the power sport can have to give young people hope. It’s an honour to join the Laureus World Sports Academy to work with legends from around the world, spreading the message that sport can do good.”
"Having already been involved with Laureus as an Ambassador for several years, being invited to join the Academy is a great honour. I will do my best to continue working through the power of sport to achieve a positive change and to instil hope in young people around the world,” said Luis Figo, former Real Madrid and Barcelona star.
Edwin Moses, Chairman of the Laureus World Sports Academy, was in Madrid to induct Luis and Carles into the Academy. He said: “Luis and Carles are two great additions to our team; it’s great to welcome them into the Laureus World Sports Academy. Having spoken to them I know they are passionate enthusiasts of sport for good and they’re looking forward to supporting the work the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation does around the world.”
Luis Figo played for both Sporting Lisbon and Barcelona in the early stages of his career, but made his biggest impact playing for Real Madrid, where he won many accolades including the Ballon d'Or in 2000, FIFA World Player of the Year award in 2001 and the Champions League in 2002.
The two stars join 53 other legends of the sporting world in the Laureus Academy, including a selection of the footballing greats including Manchester United and England legend Bobby Charlton, French World Cup and European Championship winner Marcel Desailly and Brazilian superstar Cafu.
