Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha, widely known as Nani, has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 38. This marks the end of an illustrious career that spanned over two decades and saw him play for some of the most prestigious clubs in the world, as well as representing his country, Portugal, on numerous occasions.
Nani's journey in football began in the youth ranks of Sporting CP, where he quickly made a name for himself with his exceptional skill, pace, and dribbling ability.
He made his first-team debut for Sporting in 2005 and soon caught the attention of Manchester United, one of the biggest clubs in the world. In July 2007, Nani joined Manchester United, where he would go on to achieve great success.
During his time at Manchester United, Nani won four Premier League titles, two League Cups, three FA Community Shields, the FIFA Club World Cup, and the UEFA Champions League.
His performances often drew comparisons to his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo, although Nani developed into more of a traditional winger, known for his ability to create space and provide assists for his teammates. Despite scoring fewer goals than Ronaldo, Nani's contribution to the team was invaluable, and he became a fan favorite at Old Trafford.
Nani's international career was equally impressive. He made his debut for the Portugal national team in 2006 and went on to earn 112 caps, scoring 24 goals.
One of the highlights of his international career came in 2016 when he captained Portugal to victory in the UEFA European Championship final after Cristiano Ronaldo was forced off due to injury. Nani's leadership and experience were crucial in guiding Portugal to their first major international trophy.
After leaving Manchester United, Nani's career took him to several countries, including Turkey, Spain, Italy, Australia, and the United States. He had stints with clubs like Fenerbahçe, Valencia, Lazio, and Orlando City, among others. Despite the changes in scenery, Nani continued to showcase his talent and passion for the game wherever he played.
In January 2022, Nani moved to Venezia in Italy, and after brief spells in Australia and Turkey, he returned to Portugal. His final professional appearance came with his first club, Sporting CP, on November 1, 2024. Shortly thereafter, Nani decided it was time to hang up his boots and announced his retirement on December 8, 2024, via a heartfelt video on social media.
In the video, he expressed his gratitude to everyone who supported him throughout his career, stating, "The time has come to say goodbye, I have decided to finish my career as a professional player. It’s been an amazing ride and I wanted to thank every single person who has helped me and supported me through the highs and lows during a career which lasted over 20 years."
Comments