Nani makes shock U-turn: Portugal legend comes out of retirement to join Kazakh side Aktobe
Former Manchester United winger Nani has reversed his retirement decision after just one year, signing for FC Aktobe in Kazakhstan in a player-ambassador role.
Just a year after hanging up his boots, former Portugal international Nani has performed a dramatic retirement U-turn by signing for Kazakh side FC Aktobe at the ripe old age of 39.
From retirement to Kazakhstan
Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha, better known to football fans as Nani, announced his retirement from professional football barely twelve months ago. The former Manchester United winger has now had a proper change of heart, deciding there’s still some magic left in those dancing feet.
The Portuguese Euro 2016 winner has signed a one-year deal with Aktobe, who finished fifth in the Kazakh Premier League last season, a full 16 points behind champions Kairat.
More than just a player
Nani’s role at Aktobe appears to be two-fold. While he’ll be lacing up his boots on the pitch, he’s also taking on an ambassadorial position to help promote both the club and Kazakh football more broadly.
“I’m very happy to have joined FC Aktobe and look forward to contributing,” the winger stated, clearly viewing this move as more than just extending his playing days.
Financial incentives
Let’s not beat around the bush - there’s a fair few readies involved in this deal. According to reports, Nani will pocket around €60,000 per month, making him the highest-paid player in Kazakhstani football. Not too shabby for a player approaching 40 who’s been on the dog and bone to his agent about retirement plans!
Career twilight
Nani’s glittering career has seen him grace some of Europe’s biggest clubs:
- Sporting CP (two spells)
- Manchester United
- Fenerbahçe
- Valencia
- Lazio
Before his initial retirement, he was playing for Estrela Amadora in Portugal, where he managed just one goal in 522 minutes during the 2024-25 season.
Whether this is a genuine competitive comeback or more of a marketing exercise remains to be seen, but Aktobe fans will be hoping to see flashes of the old Nani magic that once lit up Old Trafford.