FORMER Manchester United star Nani has signed for Kazakhstani club FC Aktobe.
, 39, played for for seven years between 2007 and 2015 during a highly successful spell in the club’s history.
Nani was a Champions League winner during his time at UnitedCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Nani celebrates with Sir Alex Ferguson after scoring a last minute winner in the 2011 Community Shield
In this period, the Portuguese winger won four titles as well as the in 2008.
He scored 41 goals and 65 assists across 230 appearances, more than playing his part in the Red Devils’ success.
After returning to boyhood club on loan in 2014/15, spells at , and followed before he returned to Sporting for a third time in 2018/19.
Spells playing in the United States, Italy, Australia and Turkey followed before another short stint in Portugal in 2024 – this time playing for Estrela da Amadora – his previous club, whom he last played for in November 2024.
But he has now reversed his retirement to come and play in Kazakhstan on an initial one-year contract.
Nani said : “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.”
The club added: “Nani is regarded by FC Aktobe’s structure as an international reference figure, capable of contributing to the growth and global projection of both the club and Kazakh football.”
Over the past decade, football in Kazakhstan and Central Asia has experienced a huge boom in popularity.
Between 2018 and 2023, reports suggest the Kazakh state pumped nearly $500 billion into football clubs, and recently announced plans to build 14 new stadiums.
The Kazakhstan National Team almost qualified for , but just fell short.
Now, in an attempt to grow football further, they are turning to former Premier League stars.
Nani’s contract includes an expanded role within the club’s development project.
Today, another Kazakh club – FC Kaisar Kyzylorda – of another former Premier League winner – ex-Chelsea man .
Between them, Nani (2.7 million) and Moses (1.2 million) have nearly 4 million followers on , so already more eyes will be on Kazakh football.
In the future, the 25th January 2026 could be looked back on as a historic day in the growth of Kazakhstani football.
Nani earned 112 caps for Portugal between 2006 and 2017, and his highlight was winning Euro 2016Credit: Getty Images
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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