Former Man United star Nani returns to football with one-year deal at Kazakhstan club

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!"

The transfer to Aktobe shocked many supporters, given that Nani had earlier confirmed his retirement from football.

Nani announced his retirement following his final appearance on November 1, 2024 for hometown club Estrela da Amadora against former side Sporting. Since then, he has focused on running his football academy and recently earned the UEFA A Elite Youth Licence, qualifying him to work in top-level academies.

At his peak, Nani netted 41 goals across 230 appearances for Manchester United, lifting the Champions League and four Premier League titles. He later returned to Sporting on loan before sealing a move to Fenerbahce in 2015.

The 2026 Kazakhstan Premier League gets under way in March. Aktobe ended the 2025 season fifth in the 14-team table with 43 points, finishing five points behind Elimai, who secured a place in the Conference League first qualifying round. The club are five-time league champions and have also lifted three Super Cups and two domestic cups.

Football in Kazakhstan and across Central Asia has surged in popularity over the past decade, backed by heavy state investment. From 2018 to 2023, nearly $500 million was channelled into clubs, alongside plans for 14 new stadiums.

Another Kazakh club, FC Kaisar Kyzylorda, have announced the arrival of ex-Chelsea winger Victor Moses, a Premier League winner.

The Nigerian began his career at Crystal Palace before spells with Wigan and Chelsea, where he lifted the Premier League title in 2016–17. He later featured for Liverpool, Stoke and West Ham, had loan stints at Fenerbahce and Inter, played in Russia with Spartak Moscow, and joined Luton last season.