Nani, the former Manchester United and Portugal winger, has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 38. A glittering career saw him feature in over 700 games for club and country, collecting numerous trophies and etching his name into football history.
Best known for his time at Old Trafford alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani carved his own legacy as a dynamic and skillful winger. During the 2010/11 season, he was named Manchester United’s Player of the Season after scoring nine goals and providing 14 assists, helping the tea0m to their 19th Premier League title.
On Sunday night, Nani shared his retirement news via social media, writing:
“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 want to thank every single person who has helped and supported me through the highs and lows of a career lasting over 20 years. Time to turn a new leaf and focus on new goals and dreams. See you soon!”
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Nani signed off his heartfelt message with “Thank you” written in five different languages, a nod to the global journey his career took after leaving Manchester United in 2014.
A Remarkable Career
Nani’s career began with Sporting CP, and he eventually returned to the club where it all started in his final professional match—a 5-1 defeat against Sporting earlier this year. In between, he played for several clubs across the globe, including stints at Fenerbahce, Valencia, Lazio, Orlando City, Venezia, Melbourne Victory, and Adana Demirspor.
While his club career never quite reached the heights of his time at United, Nani shone on the international stage. At Euro 2016, he was Portugal’s joint-top scorer alongside Ronaldo, playing a key role in the team’s historic first major tournament victory.
In his final chapter, Nani played in Portugal’s top flight with Estrela, making nine league appearances and scoring once in a 2-2 draw against Boavista in September.
Nani’s retirement marks the end of a thrilling and accomplished football journey, leaving behind a legacy of skill, flair, and memorable moments.