Luis Nani comes out of retirement, stunning the football world by signing a one-year contract with Kazakhstan Premier League club FC Aktobe.
The decision of the former Portugal international and Manchester United star to start playing again has gotten a lot of attention in the football world, considering it’s more than a year since he first retired in late 2024.
Nani’s move to FC Aktobe not only adds experience to the Kazakh side, but it also gives him a bigger role that will help the club’s football development both on and off the field.
A Career to Remember
Before Luis Nani comes out of retirement, he had already established a remarkable professional résumé spanning nearly two decades.
Nani, whose full name is Luis Carlos Almeida da Cunha, became a household name after joining Manchester United from Sporting CP in 2007. He was a part of a very successful United club under Sir Alex Ferguson that won four Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, and other major awards.
Nani’s career took him to many different countries and leagues after he left England. He played for Fenerbahçe in Turkey, Valencia in Spain, Venezia in Italy, and even Orlando City in the United States, among other teams. He ended his playing career at Estrela da Amadora in Portugal before retiring in December 2024.
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Nani, who was 38 years old when he announced his retirement in December 2024, spoke fondly about his long career in football and thanked fans and coworkers for their support during a career full of memorable moments.
The Decision to Return
But in early 2026, Luis Nani comes out of retirement to sign a one-year deal with FC Aktobe in the Kazakhstan Premier League. The deal marks a new beginning for the Portuguese winger, who clearly thinks he still has something to offer at the professional level.
Reports say that Nani’s contract includes a bigger role in the club’s development project, which means he will do more than just play well on game days.
The former Manchester United winger just got the UEFA A Elite Youth Licence, which is a higher-level coaching qualification. This makes him a good candidate to work with younger players and help with training programs as part of his larger role at Aktobe.
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Nani said in his first public interview that he’s happy to have joined FC Aktobe and is looking forward to helping the club grow and football in Kazakhstan.
“I’m very happy to have joined FC Aktobe and I am looking forward to contributing to the development of the club and football in Kazakhstan. I would like to thank the owner of the club Mr. Nurlan Artykbaev, chairman Mr. Arman Ospanov and Governor Mr. Askhat Shakharov for their hospitality and support. I was very impressed with the club’s vision for the future and will work hard to take us to new heights, at home and abroad!” Goal quotes Luis Nani.
What This Means for FC Aktobe
Luis Nani comes out of retirement at a time when FC Aktobe is trying to build on the good performances they’ve had in the past few seasons.
In 2025, they finished fifth in the Kazakhstan Premier League, just missing out on a spot in the European qualification round. Adding a player with Nani’s pedigree is expected to improve both results and the team’s profile.
The Kazakh side sees Nani as more than just a player; they see him as an international reference figure who can help the club grow and make Kazakh football more well-known around the world. Fans are likely to pay attention to him because of his experience and global following, which could lead to more chances for growth.
Some local news outlets have even said that Nani’s salary package could be one of the biggest in Kazakhstan’s football history. This shows how serious the club was about making a statement by signing him.
A Growing Trend of Veteran Returns
While Luis Nani comes out of retirement, he is far from the only veteran to make a late-career move. Cristiano Ronaldo and other professional footballers play well into their late 30s and even beyond.
This shows that age may not matter for elite athletes who want to compete and are in good shape. Nani may have decided to come back in part because he saw other stars stay in the business for so long.
This trend shows that the way people think about the sport is changing. Experienced players can still make a big difference on and off the field by mentoring young players, drawing fans’ interest, and making leagues that might not get as much global attention more competitive.
A Look at Nani’s Return from a Global Point of View
Nani’s choice to return to football in Kazakhstan is also a sign of bigger changes in football around the world. More and more big names are joining clubs outside of the traditional powerhouse leagues. This makes the clubs more competitive and attracts fans from other countries.
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In the last few transfer windows, other well-known veterans, including former Premier League players, have moved to leagues like the Kazakhstan Premier League and Saudi Pro League. This has made the football world more diverse and connected.
His return adds excitement to the upcoming 2026 Kazakhstan Premier League season, which kicks off in March. Nani will have a full season to test his skills again while also helping his new club do better in their home games.
Fans React
Across social media and fan communities, the news that Luis Nani comes out of retirement sparked considerable discussion.
Longtime fans of Manchester United and Portuguese football are happy about the unexpected turn of events, and are looking forward to seeing him play again. Fans talked about how fun and creative he was as a player throughout his career in online forums.
Fans in Kazakhstan have also reacted positively to his signing, with many pointing out how inspiring it is that a player can still love the game even after they stop playing.
What’s Next for Nani?
As Luis Nani comes out of retirement, all eyes will be on how he adapts to his new environment with FC Aktobe. With the season starting soon, Nani has to get back into shape for games and help the team on the field while also managing his bigger role in youth and club development.
It is not clear if he will become a regular starter, a mentor, or even a coach in the future, but one thing is clear: his return has already made a big impact on the 2026 football calendar.
Influence and Legacy
Nani’s return to professional football adds to a career that has already made a big impact. He has inspired a generation of young footballers with his skillful wing play, creativity, and contributions to club and country.
The former Manchester United winger’s return underscores the enduring appeal of the sport and the ability of elite athletes to reinvent their careers in new and unexpected ways.
Fans all over the world will be keeping a close eye on Nani’s performance and impact during the 2026 Kazakhstan season. This is not only because of what he does on the field, but also because he is a veteran who still loves the beautiful game.
