Former Manchester United winger Nani has come out of retirement at the age of 39 to join a new team, a move that will come as a huge surprise to football fans.
Nani initially hung up his boots in December 2024, but has now reversed that decision to sign a one-year contract with Kazakhstan club FC Aktobe.
In what is set to be an exciting adventure for the Portuguese, Aktobe confirmed that Nani’s contract “includes an expanded role within the club’s development project”, which suggests he may also be contributing in a coaching capacity.
The former Portugal international recently completed the UEFA A Elite Youth Licence course, which focuses on the development of under-13 to under-19 players and qualifies holders for management roles in elite academies.
Nani last played for Portuguese side Estrela da Amadora. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Nani also shared the news on social media: “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!”
Nani last played in the Portuguese top flight for Estrela da Amadora, and said he left the club with a “sense of duty fulfilled”.
He will now be eager to convince fans of his fitness when he steps on the pitch for Aktobe.
The 2026 Kazakhstan Premier League season kicks off in March and it’s Nani’s responsibility to help Aktobe that finished fifth in the 14-team division last term.
