Nani makes shock return to football as he announces one-year deal with new club

Nani is not ready to hang the boots up for good just yet.

The 39-year-old has been lured out of retirement to sign a one-year deal with Kazakhstan Premier League outfit FC Aktobe.

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As part of the deal, Nani will take on an expanded role within the club’s development project.

In a post on social media, Nani wrote: “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!”

How did FC Aktobe perform last season?

Nani joins Aktobe ahead of the 2026 Kazakhstan Premier League, which begins in March.

Aktobe finished fifth out of 14 teams in 2025 with 43 points, five off Elimai who qualified for the Conference League’s first qualification round.

Nani’s move to Aktobe comes as a major surprise given he called time on his career in December 2024.

When did Nani first retire?

At the time, Nani claimed he retired ‘with a sense of duty fulfilled’.

“As everyone knows, everything comes to an end,” Nani said.

“I’ve taken the time to make a very important decision. Perhaps the most important decision of my professional life, which is the decision to stop playing as a professional player.

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“I’m going to, as they say, hang up my boots. But I do so with a sense of duty fulfilled.

“I believe it was a beautiful career, a career filled with many achievements.”

Who else has Nani played for?

Prior to his first retirement, Nani enjoyed a 19-year playing career that was spent across England, Turkey, the United States, Spain and Australia.

Nani is best known for his eight-year spell with English giants Manchester United, where he made 230 appearances.

During his time with the Red Devils, the tricky winger won four Premier League titles, two League Cups, the Champions League and Club World Cup.

Nani isn’t the only former Premier League star who has made the bold switch to Kazakhstan.

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Victor Moses joined FC Kaysar, who finished last season in 11th.

The former Premier League and Europa League winner had been unemployed following his release from Luton Town after they were relegated to League One at the end of last season.

In a brief address to fans at his unveiling, the versatile winger said: “Hi Kaysar fans. It is a pleasure to be here.”

And he added on Instagram: “Delighted to announced that I’ve joined FC Kaysar. Excited for what’s to come.”