Luis Cunha
Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha (pronounced [luˈiʃ ˈkaɾluʃ alˈmɐjdɐ dɐ ˈkuɲɐ]) (born 17 November 1986), commonly known as Nani (Portuguese pronunciation: [naˈni]), is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a winger for Kazakhstan Premier League club Aktobe. He is known for his pace, flair and work ethic.
Nani began his career with Sporting CP, joining the youth team in 2003 before making his first-team debut in 2005. During his two-year tenure in Portugal he won the Portuguese Cup. Before the 2007–08 season, Nani's performances attracted the attention of English club Manchester United, who secured his services in July 2007. He gained first-team status almost immediately and won four Premier League titles, two League Cups, three FA Community Shields, the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Champions League with them.
Following a loan back to Sporting, in which he won a second Portuguese Cup, Nani was signed by Turkish side Fenerbahçe in 2015, and a year later he signed for Valencia in Spain. He rejoined Sporting in 2018, winning a third Portuguese Cup as well as the Portuguese League Cup for the first time, before moving to Major League Soccer side Orlando City, whom he captained for three seasons before leaving at the end of 2021. In January 2022, Nani moved to Venezia in Italy.
Following brief stints in Australia, Turkey, and another return to Portugal, Nani announced his retirement from football in December 2024. In January 2026, he came out of retirement to sign for Kazakh side Aktobe.
Nani made his Portugal international debut in 2006, scoring his first goal soon after and establishing himself as a key member of the side. He represented his country at three European Championships, in 2008, 2012 and 2016, and in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Nani started in the final of Euro 2016, and after Cristiano Ronaldo got injured, captained the team to victory. He made 112 appearances and scored 24 goals for his country in total.
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