Nani Ends Retirement to Join FC Aktobe at 39
Former Manchester United winger Luis Nani has reversed his retirement decision and returned to professional football at the age of 39, signing a one year deal with Kazakhstan Premier League side FC Aktobe.
The Portuguese international had announced his retirement in December 2024 after a brief spell with Estrela da Amadora, but has now opted for one final chapter following talks with the Aktobe hierarchy and their long term project.
Aktobe confirmed that Nani’s contract goes beyond just playing duties, with an expanded role tied to the club’s development plans. The former United star recently completed the UEFA A Elite Youth Licence, underlining his growing interest in coaching and elite academy work alongside his playing career.
Nani explained that the club’s vision and ambition played a key role in his decision, with the project convincing him to return to the pitch despite believing his playing career had already reached a natural conclusion.
The move comes with clear short term pressure. The Kazakhstan Premier League season begins in March, leaving Nani just over a month to regain full match sharpness. Aktobe finished fifth last season, five points outside the UEFA Conference League places, and are targeting a push higher up the table in 2026.
The setting presents a fresh challenge. Aktobe’s home crowds are known for their intensity, and the club has built a reputation as one of the league’s most competitive sides. Early expectations will focus on Nani’s influence in possession, leadership in the final third, and his ability to guide younger players during matches.
There were few dramatic incidents attached to the announcement, but the wider context adds intrigue. Kazakhstan’s top division is increasingly attracting experienced European names, including former Chelsea winger Victor Moses, who recently joined FC Kaysar.
On the pitch, Nani’s impact is expected to come through moments rather than volume. His experience, movement between the lines, and delivery from wide areas remain his strongest assets, even as his role is carefully managed across the season.
The second half of his career has been defined by short stints and varied leagues, but this return carries a different tone. With coaching already on the horizon, every appearance now doubles as preparation for life beyond playing.
Late season pressure will be inevitable if Aktobe remain in contention for continental qualification. Nani’s composure and decision making in tight matches could prove decisive as fixtures pile up and margins narrow.
The return also invites comparison with Cristiano Ronaldo, his former club and international teammate, who continues to play into his forties. While expectations are different, the motivation appears similar, extending a career driven by competitiveness rather than comfort.
For Aktobe, the signing delivers experience, visibility, and leadership. For Nani, it offers a final platform to blend performance with mentorship, and to close his playing career on his own terms while helping shape the club’s future.