Portugal legend Nani “very excited” to resume playing career in Kazakhstan | OneFootball

Nani will return to the pitch in 2026 [Getty Images]

Portuguese football legend Nani has decided to come out of retirement to undertake a position with Kazakhstani side FC Aktobe.

Nani will return to the pitch as a member of the playing squad, while also taking up a role in promoting the club and the country’s football. The decision comes a little over a year after Nani announced the end of his glittering career after a short spell with boyhood club Estrela da Amadora in December 2024.

"I am very excited about this new project and the possibility of helping to develop football at the club and in Kazakhstan,” Nani said on Sunday upon being presented. “FC Aktobe has excellent facilities, and they welcomed me very well. I feel that together we can work to elevate the club, not only in its country, but also internationally.”

Aktobe finished 5th in the Kazakhstani league last term, but hope acquiring a hugely recognisable figure will help the development of the club and football in the country. Nani will have a dual role of representing the team on the pitch and undertaking duties to assist with the growth of the game in the region.

The new Kazakhstani season begins in March and will run until October.

By Sean Gillen