SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Football superstar Luis Figo is set to make an appearance at next week’s SBC Summit Barcelona, when he joins the Digitain team for the Global Betting and iGaming Show.
The former Sporting CP, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Internazionale and Portugal legend is now brand ambassador for the igaming technology company, a role he recently renewed for a second year.
Ahead of his visit to the Summit on 21 September, Figo spoke exclusively to SBC News about his work with Digitain and his time as an FC Barcelona player.
SBC: You have entered your second year of collaboration with Digitain. Why did you decide to sign on for another year?
Luis Figo: Digitain and I have had an incredible journey of discovery since our official collaboration commenced over one year ago.
Our partnership is based on mutual teamwork, loyalty, and respect for each other’s skills and outlook toward people, business, and life. The Digitain family has made me most welcome at their head office in Yerevan and recently in London for the expo at ExCeL.
The energy, and our shared outlook for helping others, whether coaching, mentoring, listening, solving, and trying to be the best version of yourself that you can be and to aspire to move forward, were reasons why I’ve signed on for another season – we wish to grow together.
SBC: As a renowned international footballer, how important is it to be part of a winning team?
LF: I’ve been very fortunate and humbled throughout my career on the football pitch and off to be part of winning teams.
Being part of a winning team requires a positive mental attitude, hard work, and listening to the manager and the coaching staff on how you can learn, adapt and improve.
Winning is necessary for any athlete, but the journey of discovery and achieving small goals to reach your dream are just as important. Therefore, taking part is just as important as the outcome of lifting that trophy.
SBC: You are part of a winning team with Digitain; what are the main factors for success in building a winning team? Are they different from the commercial world to the sporting world?
LF: A winning team must have a shared or common desire and vision. You must be able to visualise your goals and understand how these small steps align with that journey of achievement and beyond.
Building a winning team takes time, patience, and dedication; it’s not a sprint; it’s a marathon and takes endurance that can test everyone in the group.
In terms of the commercial world, having a shared vision is a fundamental requirement of that journey to success.
Digitain creates, nurtures, and supports its team of over 2,700 every day. Its vision is shared by everyone across the different departments and functions, but the common desire to help fellow team members grow to provide the best iGaming solutions to its 150+ partners is at the core of that desire to be the best they can be.
SBC: What was your greatest moment working with the Digitain team?
LF: There have been many great moments, and more to come, including my attendance at the SBC Summit Barcelona.
People define moments, so the London ICE Show in February was a great experience. It allowed me to meet many fans, Digitain’s business partners, and industry people. It had immense energy and vibe, and it was like stepping out onto the football pitch, with all those fans cheering in anticipation of what would happen next.
SBC: What can we look forward to over the next few months from Digitain and your collaboration?
LF: Of course, we shall attend the SBC Summit Barcelona and showcase Digitain’s omnichannel platform solutions for regulated markets and a few more features. All shall be revealed at the show.
SBC: When shall your next personal appearance be on the iGaming trade show schedule? And what do you hope to bring to the event as a prominent figure in the sports world?
LF: As mentioned, I shall attend the SBC Summit in Barcelona with the Digitain team. The show attracts delegates and exhibitors from across continental Europe and further afield. I’m looking forward to welcoming Digitain’s partners and new partners to the stand and introducing the team, who shall be delighted to discuss any requirements that visitors have.
SBC: Your appearance at SBC Summit Barcelona will take you back to a city where you enjoyed great success but were also involved in one of football’s most attention-grabbing transfers. How do you reflect on your time in Barcelona and the people you worked with there?
LF: Spain and La Liga is one of the most significant footballing leagues in the world. I had the fantastic opportunity to play for FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, where passion, energy, and teamwork were extraordinary.
My time at Barcelona allowed me over five years to be part of a successful team, during which we won a Cup Winners’ Cup (1997) and two La Liga titles (1998, 1999), and enjoy a personal achievement of winning a Ballon d’Or in 2000. I have very fond memories of Barcelona and Spain as a whole.
SBC: As a sports icon, you have a significant impact on your fans. How do you leverage your influence to promote positive engagement in the sports betting community?
LF: I’ve been fortunate to have had a long and successful career in the beautiful game of football. My family, friends, team-mates and coaches have all helped me achieve my dreams throughout that life journey.
The key in life is self-belief, working hard, and always learning from others with humility and respect. Treating others with the same respect, kindness, and goodwill will lead to positive engagement.
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Digitain will be at booth CG30 in the Casino & iGaming Zone at SBC Summit Barcelona, which takes place at Fira Barcelona Montjuïc on 19-21 September 2023. Tickets for the Global Betting & iGaming Show, which features 350 exhibitors and a conference with 450 expert speakers, are available here.
