David Luiz has accomplished a return to European soccer by signing for Cypriot aspect Pafos FC.
The Brazilian defender is well-known for his stints at Chelsea and Arsenal, in addition to Paris Saint-Germain.
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Luiz left England in 2021 to signal for Brazilian aspect Flamengo earlier than he joined Fortaleza Esporte Clube at the start of 2025.
Nonetheless, the centre-back spent solely seven months on the membership and left by mutual consent at the start of August.
Simply two days later, Pafos have introduced the shock signing of the 38-year-old on a contract operating till 2027.
“This landmark switch marks essentially the most historic second in Cypriot soccer — the arrival of a worldwide celebrity whose identify has echoed on the earth’s best stadiums,” a membership assertion learn.
Pafos added: “David Luiz Moreira Marinho is a real titan of contemporary soccer.
“For over 15 years, he has competed on the pinnacle of the game, incomes admiration across the globe for his commanding presence, technical brilliance, and unmistakable charisma.
“All through his illustrious profession, he has left a long-lasting legacy at each membership he has represented.”
Pafos compete within the Cypriot First Division, the nation’s high flight.
They completed high on the finish of the common 2024/25 season after which received the Championship spherical.
This secured qualification for the Champions League second qualifying spherical, the place they beat Maccabi Tel Aviv 2-1 over two legs.
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Subsequent up are FC Dynamo Kyiv, the place one other victory would ship them into the play-off spherical earlier than the league section.
New signing Luiz started his profession at Vitoria in his homeland earlier than transferring to Benfica in 2007, the place he made 131 appearances.
He later signed for Chelsea in January 2011 and went on to be a part of the membership’s first ever Champions League triumph the next season.
Luiz additionally received the Europa League and the FA Cup with the Blues.
At PSG, he received Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, Coupe de la Ligue and Trophee des Champions two occasions every.
After two seasons within the French capital, Luiz returned to Chelsea and received his first Premier League title.
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One other Europa League and second FA Cup honour would comply with as he reached a complete of 248 membership appearances over two spells.
Luiz left in 2019 for London rivals Arsenal, with whom he received his third FA Cup.
Nonetheless, he was left shocked by the shortage of ambition on the Gunners having had a lot success at Chelsea.
How Luiz reacted to becoming a member of Arsenal
“Lots, as a result of I went there – it was my choice,” he advised talkSPORT in 2023 when requested what Arsenal means to him.
“A membership which had quite a lot of potential, however it was lacking quite a lot of starvation to win titles.
“I keep in mind my first assembly with the gamers and with all people, we have been speaking about our objectives for the season – no one was speaking about profitable the Premier League.
“I mentioned, ‘Cease! We’re simply at the start of the season, the very first thing is it’s worthwhile to have ambition, it’s worthwhile to take into consideration the title!’
“After which after that, it was the highest 4. After one yr I began to know, a membership that was not used to profitable for a very long time, in order that they began to not consider rather a lot.
“After which got here Mikel Arteta, and Arteta modified quite a lot of issues within the membership and he began to make all people consider the method.
“The membership obtained the precise mentality once more as that they had beneath Arsene Wenger, they obtained it in a great way.
“And now I am completely satisfied as a result of I see many younger gamers that I used to be making an attempt to assist to start with, to consider that at first of your profession, it’s important to win large issues.
“I am completely satisfied for them as a result of they’re now considering on this approach – on the finish of the day it was an ideal second in my profession.”
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Luiz left Arsenal in 2021 and returned to Brazil with Flamengo.
He helped ship Copa Libertadores and Campeonato Carioca success alongside two Copa do Brasil titles.
A brief stint with Fortaleza started in January, with Pafos the eighth membership of his profession.
Away from home soccer, Luiz earned 57 caps with the Brazil nationwide crew and received the 2013 Confederations Cup.