United cult hero’s son follows in father’s footsteps by signing for Portuguese giants | OneFootball

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Former Manchester United forward Luis Nani has sent a message to his son after following in his footsteps to sign for Sporting CP.

Like father, like son

Nani joined Sporting from his youth side Real Massama in 2004.

The former Portugal international won the National Junior Championship in 2004/05 before eventually earning first-team promotion in 2025/26.

It was at Sporting that Nani caught the eye of the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, who sanctioned his acquisition in 2007.

Nani enjoyed an incredibly successful stint at Old Trafford, winning an array of trophies including the Champions League and four Premier League titles.

After leaving United, Nani had spells at Fenerbahce, Valencia, Lazio, Orlando City, Venezia, Melbourne Victory, Adana Demirspor and Estrela da Amadora. He is currently playing his trade at FC Aktobe in Kazakhstan.

In 2018, he also sealed an emotional return to Sporting, where he played for one year.

Lucas, the eldest son of Nani, signed for Sporting’s youth team in 2023. Now, the ex-United man has shared a message as his son commits to professional terms with the Liga NOS club.

Nani hails son

Nani wrote on Instagram, “A new adventure, in a house you know well! But now a little more serious and real.”

“All I can tell you is have fun and do your best we’ll leave the rest to God. May He accompany you and enlighten you at every step, through the four corners of the world.”

“May you be happy and blessed, whatever you become we will always be here to support you.”

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Nani accompanied the announcement with a published image of himself, his son, and his partner.