Luis Figo helps set record for the highest footy game in gravity-defying stunt

Portugal legend Luis Figo has helped set a new record for the world's highest ever football game after having a kickabout 20,000ft above the ground in zero gravity.

The stunt, organised by Mastercard, saw Figo and seven other players blasted into the atmosphere for an out-of-this-world four-a-side match inside a specially-constructed aircraft, which soared in alternating upward and downward arcs in a trajectory that simulates the effect of zero gravity.

Figo, who scored in a 2-1 win for his side, saw his efforts ratified by Guinness World Records adjudicators, who presented each player with the title for the "Highest Altitude Game of Football on a Parabolic Flight" – officially recorded at 20,230ft.

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Speaking about the record-breaking feat, Figo said: "Football transcends boundaries and unites people around the world. I have played in stadiums where the electric atmosphere sparks emotions that cuts across cultures and nationalities.

"This was the exact same experience I had playing this beautiful game at 20,000 feet above the ground with a group of fearless football fanatics taking their passion for the sport to unprecedented heights."

What's the one thing you'd absolutely love to do in zero gravity? Let us know in the comments section below.

Figo, 49, was one of the most mesmerising talents in European football in his pomp. He began his career at Sporting Lisbon before sealing a blockbuster move to Barcelona in 1995.

There, he established himself as one of the finest players on the planet, inspiring the Catalan club to two La Liga titles, though he remains one of the most despised figures in Barcelona after agreeing to join arch-rivals Real Madrid at the peak of his powers in 2000.

He won the Ballon d'Or that year too and helped guide Los Blancos to their first league title in four seasons. On his first return to the Camp Nou, Figo was showered with abuse whenever he touched the ball and infamously had a severed pig's head thrown at him while taking a corner.

In 2002 he won the Champions League for the first time, and three years later left to join Serie A giants Inter Milan, where he saw out the remainder of his career.

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