Nani (footballer)

portuguese football player

Almeida and the second or paternal family name is da Cunha. In this portuguese name, the first or maternal family name isand the second or paternal family name is Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha ComM ( bear 17 November 1986 ), normally known as Nani ( portuguese pronunciation : [ naˈni ] ), is a portuguese professional football player who plays as a winger. He represented Portugal in external football and has played over 100 times for the senior national team.

Reading: Nani (footballer)

Nani was born in Amadora, Portugal, and is of Cape Verdean origin. [ 3 ] [ 4 ] He began his football career dally for local anesthetic side Real Massamá. [ 6 ] At the age of nine, he began training with Sporting CP and S.L. Benfica on alternate days, finally joining Sporting ‘s youth police squad after they offered him pre-season train. [ 6 ] Nani made his professional debut with the club in 2005 and won the Taça de Portugal during his second season with them. Nani was named the SJPF Young Player of the Month for May 2007 and his performances with Sporting culminated into a go to English club Manchester United in July 2007 for a fee of €25 million. [ 7 ] Nani won the Community Shield on his competitive debut at Manchester United and added a number of trophies, including the Premier League and Champions League during his debut season at the baseball club. He established himself as first-choice winger at United and won a far three Premier League titles, the Football League Cup, one FIFA Club World Cup, and three Community Shield titles. individually, Nani was included in the Professional Footballers ‘ Association ( PFA ) Premier League Team of the year on one occasion and was a campaigner for the PFA Young Player of the year in 2011. Following a loan back to Sporting, in which he won the Taça de Portugal, he was signed for £4.25 million by Fenerbahçe in July 2015, and a class late he signed for Valencia. He rejoined Sporting CP in July 2018. In February 2019, he signed for Major League Soccer side Orlando City SC and captained them for three seasons before leaving at the conclusion of 2021. Nani is besides a Portugal international. After first play at under-21 level, he made his debut for the aged Portugal team in September 2006 in a friendly match against Denmark and scored his first goal during the 4–2 frustration in Copenhagen. Nani has represented his nation at four major tournaments, including three european Championships : he took share at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 european Championships, reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2012, and winning Euro 2016 ; he besides participated at the 2014 FIFA World Cup with Portugal. Since his debut, he has made over 100 external appearances and scored 24 goals .

early life [edit ]

Nani was born on 17 November 1986 in the Amadora zone of Lisbon, Portugal, and is of Cape Verdean origin. [ 3 ] [ 4 ] He was raised by his aunt Antónia on the Santa Filomena estate in Amadora after being abandoned by his parents. [ 8 ] At age five, his father left for a vacation in Cape Verde but never returned, and when he was 12 years erstwhile, his mother left Portugal to start a new life in the Netherlands. [ 8 ] Nani has nine siblings from his mother, of which he is the youngest, and five from his founder. [ 9 ] Nani gained his nickname from an elder baby at a young age. [ 10 ] Nani ‘s older brother taught him how to play football and he played with his childhood supporter, midfielder Manuel Fernandes. [ 11 ] [ 9 ] When Nani was around the age of 14, his older brother took him to train with real Massamá. [ 10 ] They were Nani ‘s inaugural club and gave him money, food, and helped him obtain an ID card and a passport. [ 9 ] At the age of 16, Nani was training on alternate days with Sporting CP and Benfica. [ 10 ] Nani sometimes walked miles to and from practice before Sporting offered him pre-season train. [ 10 ] Despite growing up in Lisbon, Nani and his brother supported FC Porto as a boy and his footballing hero was Luís Figo. [ 8 ] [ 12 ]

Club career [edit ]

Sporting CP [edit ]

Nani joined Sporting CP from his first club, Real Massamá. [ 8 ] After two seasons in the young team, where he won the National Junior Championship in 2004–05, Nani was promoted to the beginning team early in the 2005–06 season. [ 13 ] On 10 August 2005, he made his Sporting debut, coming on as a substitute for Custódio in the 73rd moment in a 1–0 home frustration to Udinese in their third-round modifier in the UEFA Champions League. [ 13 ] [ 14 ] Nani made his portuguese Liga debut on 28 August, [ 13 ] replacing Deivid in the 76th minute of a 1–2 victory over Marítimo at the Estádio do Barreiros. [ 15 ] Nani scored his first base Sporting goal on 30 October, opening the score in a 2–2 tie away to Boavista. [ 16 ] Nani ended the first base season of his career with 5 goals from 36 appearances across all competitions. [ 17 ] Nani inaugural came into the spotlight after scoring in the UEFA Champions League against Spartak Moscow, [ 18 ] scoring Sporting ‘s goal in a 1–1 group stage meet on 27 September 2006. [ 19 ] Nani helped Sporting win the 2006–07 Taça de Portugal, [ 18 ] lifting the trophy after a 1–0 win over Belenenses on 27 May 2007 in the final. [ 20 ] He was then named as the SJPF Young Player of the Month for May 2007. [ 21 ] Nani ‘s second season with Sporting ended with alike league statistics, with 40 appearances and 6 goals in all competitions. [ 22 ]

manchester United [edit ]

early on years [edit ]

Nani was sold to Manchester United for €25.5 million, [ 7 ] [ 23 ] five percentage of which was paid to Real Massamá, his first professional baseball club. [ 24 ] He passed his aesculapian on 6 June 2007, [ 25 ] and signed a five-year contract one month former, joining portuguese compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo, with whom he lived at the start of his Manchester United career. [ 26 ] [ 27 ]
Nani scored on his debut in a pre-season friendly against Shenzhen, scoring the third in a 6–0 gain. [ 28 ] He besides scored in the succeed equal against Guangzhou Pharmaceutical with a chip off the right post from the left field slope of the penalty area in a 3–0 succeed. [ 29 ] On 5 August 2007, Nani made his competitive debut for United, coming on as a ersatz in the Community Shield against Chelsea. He marked his introduction with a trophy after they won 3–0 on penalties, following a 1–1 draw during normal time. [ 30 ] This was followed up by Nani ‘s third gear goal for the club three days late, when he scored against Glentoran in another 3–0 pre-season win. [ 31 ] Nani ‘s Premier League debut came in United ‘s opening match at base to Reading on 12 August as a ersatz for Wayne Rooney, who had suffered a foot wound. [ 32 ] Two weeks former, on 26 August, Nani scored his first competitive goal for United, netting a 30-yard goal in the 69th moment against Tottenham Hotspur. Nani besides set up crucial goals for Louis Saha and Nemanja Vidić, allowing United to defeat both Sunderland and Everton 1–0, respectively. [ 33 ] [ 34 ] He returned to face his former club, Sporting CP, in a Champions League draw in September, though it was teammate and companion former Sporting musician Cristiano Ronaldo who scored the achiever in a 0–1 victory. [ 35 ] Nani opened the score in a 4–1 home victory over Middlesbrough on 27 October. [ 36 ]
Nani playing for United in 2008 On 16 February 2008, Nani put in a man of the match operation against Arsenal in the FA Cup Fourth Round, his finish and two assists helping United to a 4–0 win over their rivals. During the match, Nani was involved in an affray with Arsenal captain William Gallas. [ 37 ] After the match, Arsenal coach Arsène Wenger was equally displeased, while Gilberto Silva said Nani had a “ large head ”. [ 38 ] On 23 March, Nani set up the moment and scored the final examination goal in a 3–0 victory over rivals Liverpool, in the 79th and 81st minutes respectively, after coming onto the pitch as a substitute. [ 39 ] On 3 May, towards the end of a 4–1 home acquire over West Ham United, Nani was sent off for the first clock time in his United career for a headbutt on West Ham defender Lucas Neill. [ 40 ] On 21 May, Nani came on as a alternate for Wayne Rooney in the 2008 UEFA Champions League Final as United defeated Chelsea 6–5 on penalties following a 1–1 draw after extra time. Nani took and scored Manchester United ‘s crucial fifth penalty in the gunfight. [ 41 ] Nani scored his first finish of the 2008–09 season on 23 September 2008, scoring United ‘s third goal in a 3–1 gain over Middlesbrough in the last minute to secure passage to the Fourth Round of the League Cup. [ 42 ] On 18 October, he scored from a Wayne Rooney aid to complete the 4–0 mob of West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford. [ 43 ] On 20 January 2009, he opened the seduce for United in their 4–2 succeed at home to Derby County in the irregular leg of their League Cup semi-final. [ 44 ]

Breakthrough [edit ]

After Cristiano Ronaldo ‘s transfer to Real Madrid in the 2009 cheeseparing season, the weight of expectation was on Nani to step astir from bit part player and replace his compatriot. [ 45 ] Nani ‘s first contribution to United ‘s new season was opening the score in the tenth moment of the 2009 FA Community Shield, but United finally lost the meet on penalties after a 2–2 draw. Nani suffered a dislocate shoulder during the match, which was originally expected to keep him out of the startle of the season. [ 46 ] He recovered in time to play 17 minutes for Portugal against Liechtenstein on 12 August, however, [ 47 ] and started the equal against Birmingham City on 16 August. Although he provided the assist for Wayne Rooney ‘s winning finish in the 34th minute, Nani was replaced by Ryan Giggs at half-time. [ 48 ] On 22 August, Nani scored his first league goal of the 2009–10 season, a free-kick against Wigan Athletic in a 0–5 away succeed. [ 49 ]
Following respective poor performances, Nani criticised Sir Alex Ferguson for his miss of confidence in him. [ 50 ] Despite this outburst, Nani was given a luck to shine and provided an help for Rooney in the 4–0 league win over Hull City. [ 51 ] soon after this positivist display, he put in another good performance in their league Cup semi-final victory over bowler hat rivals Manchester City, revealing a heart-to-heart with Ferguson had resulted in a better display of form. [ 52 ] On 31 January 2010, Nani scored the inaugural goal and set up Rooney ‘s hundredth career Premier League strike in a 1–3 league victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. [ 53 ] Nani ‘s goal was first intend of as a Manuel Almunia own goal by many sources, but was confirmed as belong to Nani on 26 March by the doubtful Goals Panel. [ 54 ] [ 55 ] Following this performance, Nani then set up the second of a 5–0 home plate winnings over Portsmouth. [ 56 ]

“ maturity is why we ‘re seeing the best of him now, his stopping point three games have been absolutely first class but today was his best. ”

– Sir Alex Ferguson praises Nani after his performance in the 3–1 victory over Arsenal on 31 January 2010. [ 57 ]
however, precisely four days late, he was sent off for a lunge at Stiliyan Petrov against Aston Villa, which resulted in a three-match ban and ruled him out of the League Cup final. [ 58 ] On 10 March, Nani set up Rooney ‘s second in a 4–0 win over Milan, [ 59 ] before providing another serve for Rooney four days later, in the 3–0 league victory over Fulham. [ 60 ] On 26 March, Nani signed a new four-year contract with United, committing himself until 2014. [ 61 ] A day belated, Nani took his help score in the league for the season to nine as he set up two goals in a 0–4 win over Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium, providing goals for Dimitar Berbatov and Darron Gibson. [ 62 ] On 7 April, Nani scored his inaugural ever european goals for United, netting two strikes in a 3–2 victory over Bayern Munich. Despite United winning the equal, they were eliminated from the contest due to the away goals rule when the aggregate score was 4–4. [ 63 ] On 24 April, Nani scored his first league finish at Old Trafford in 18 months, netting United ‘s second in a 3–1 home victory over Tottenham Hotspur. [ 64 ] On 2 May, Nani scored for the moment catch in a row, netting the entirely goal in a 0–1 away victory over Sunderland. [ 65 ] Nani ‘s third season with Manchester United ended with 34 appearances and seven goals in all competitions. [ 66 ]

2010–11 season [edit ]

Nani celebrates scoring against West Bromwich Albion in a 2–2 draw on 16 October 2010 On 22 August 2010, Nani missed a penalty in the 87th minute aside to Fulham, and they then equalised two minutes late through Brede Hangeland to end the peer 2–2. [ 67 ] Six days later, in a 3–0 home victory over West Ham United, Nani scored his first goal of the season and assisted Dimitar Berbatov in a man of the Match display. [ 68 ] Nani scored and assisted Michael Owen in a 2–2 away draw away to Bolton Wanderers on 26 September. [ 69 ] On 16 October, Nani scored United ‘s second in a 2–2 home draw against West Bromwich Albion. [ 70 ] Four days late, Nani scored his first Champions League goal of the season, scoring the nongregarious fall in a 1–0 home victory over Bursaspor. [ 71 ] On 30 October, Nani scored a controversial second goal as United exhaust Tottenham Hotspur 2–0 at home. [ 72 ] He scored into an evacuate internet after Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes rolled the ball out to take a free-kick he thought had been given for handball ; however, shimmer was allowed to go on as referee Mark Clattenburg did not blow his whistle. [ 73 ] On 27 November, Nani scored United ‘s one-fifth goal in a 7–1 home acquire over Blackburn Rovers. [ 74 ] Nani netted his first finish of 2011 as he scored the winning strickle in a 2–1 home victory over Stoke City on 4 January. [ 75 ] On 22 January, Nani scored the final goal of a 5–0 dwelling victory over Birmingham City. [ 76 ] Nani scored United ‘s merely goal in their first gear league loss of the season, a 2–1 defeat at Wolverhampton Wanderers on 5 February. [ 77 ] Seven days later Nani scored his first base Manchester bowler hat goal, opening the score in a 2–1 dwelling victory over Manchester City. [ 78 ] On 6 March, during United ‘s 3–1 personnel casualty against Liverpool at Anfield, Nani was injured following a challenge from Jamie Carragher just earlier half-time. Nani shed tears after the challenge and was subsequently taken off the slope in a stretcher. Following post-match comments to the weight-lift from Manchester United, it was believed Nani had suffered a break in leg. however, this was not the case as he started training the comply week. [ 79 ] It was thought Nani would miss up to three weeks as a leave of this tackle and would return in April, [ 80 ] but he recovered in time to play 61 minutes of a 2–1 victory over Marseille on 15 March. [ 81 ] Nani was revealed as a rival for the Professional Footballers ‘ Association ( PFA ) Young Player of the Year award aboard teammate Javier Hernández on 8 April. [ 82 ] however, many people, including Nani, expressed their surprise he was not nominated for the independent award. [ 83 ] [ 84 ] Following this nomination, he assisted both goals in a 2–0 home acquire over Fulham on 9 April. [ 85 ] Nani lost out to Jack Wilshere for the PFA Young Player of the Year prize on 18 April but he was included in the PFA Premier League Team of the year for the first time. [ 86 ] He was awarded for his outstanding season as he was voted Players ‘ Player of the year at the club ‘s awards night on 18 May. [ 87 ]

2011–12 season [edit ]

Nani began the new season by putting in a man of the match performance and scoring twice against bowler hat rivals Manchester City in the 2011 Community Shield, including a 94th-minute winner, as United came from two goals gloomy to win 3–2 on 7 August 2011. [ 88 ] He scored his first league finish of the 2011–12 season by netting United ‘s fifth goal in an 8–2 victory over Arsenal on 28 August. [ 89 ] Nani made his hundredth Premier League appearance on 18 September as he scored in a 3–1 home win over Chelsea. [ 90 ] He scored with a long-range fall upon after cutting inside from the right wing. He was besides awarded with the valet of the peer. In United ‘s following league match at the Britannia Stadium, Nani scored his third base goal of the season in a 1–1 puff with Stoke City. He played a neat one-two with Darren Fletcher before making his way through Stoke ‘s defense and firing a humble shot inside the leave post. Nani started the match against Manchester City where they fell victim to a 1–6 beat at home plate to their neighbours. On 1 November, Nani was shortlisted for the prestigious FIFA Ballon d’Or. [ citation needed ] On 10 December, the first meet after United ‘s elimination from the UEFA Champions League, Nani scored a brace in a home match against Wolverhampton Wanderers. He opened the score in the 17th minute to put them 1–0 up with a shooting into the penetrate left corner. He scored his second goal in the 56th minute, tapping in from Antonio Valencia ‘s drilled crabbed across the six-yard corner to extend the lead to 3–1. He was subsequently replaced by winger Ashley Young as the match finished 4–1 to the home side. Nani scored his one-sixth league finish of the season and provided two assists in a 5–0 aside win at Fulham on 21 December. He first advanced on a run down the left field flank before crossing for Danny Welbeck to slot dwelling. He then met a Ryan Giggs crabbed with his pass to glance United into a 2–0 lead. He then returned the compliment, squaring for Giggs to put United 3–0 up before half-time. During Manchester United ‘s 2–1 winnings against Arsenal on 22 January, Nani sustained a animal foot injury from a tackle by Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny in the 75th minute and was replaced by Ashley Young. After a scan on Nani ‘s foot, he was feared to have suffered a metatarsal wound, thus not being able to play for two months. Nani returned to football on 15 April at United ‘s match against Aston Villa as a utility, replacing unseasoned on the leave wing. He scored a finish in stop time ( 93rd minute ) with a depleted fritter past Villa goalkeeper Shay Given from Jonny Evans ‘ through-ball assist, resulting in a 4–0 gain over Villa. Nani then followed this with another goal when chipping Tim Howard at his dear post in a 4–4 draw at Old Trafford against Everton. [ 91 ]

2012–13 season [edit ]

During the season Nani scored a single Premier League goal, and three in all competitions, marking significant decrease compared with previous seasons. He played precisely 11 times in the league, including entirely seven as a starter, although United ended up winning the league 11 points ahead of second stead, to give Nani his one-fourth Premier League winner ‘s decoration. His most memorable appearance in the temper came in the second peg of United ‘s UEFA Champions League beat of 16 tie with veridical Madrid. With Manchester United leading 1—0, Nani was sent off in the 56th minute for a high kick on Álvaro Arbeloa ; Real Madrid took advantage of their numeral transcendence and scored twice to win the match 2–1, and the tie 3–2 on aggregate. [ 92 ]

2013–14 temper [edit ]

On 5 September 2013, Nani renewed his contract with Manchester United, which was to keep him at the cabaret until 2018. He started his beginning pit of 2013–14 temper against Liverpool in the League Cup. [ 93 ] Despite this, Nani spent most of the season struggling against wound and trying to find shape. [ 94 ] [ 95 ] He scored only once during the season .

Loan render to Sporting CP [edit ]

On 19 August 2014, Sporting CP announced the return key of Nani to the baseball club on a season-long lend from Manchester United, as part of a deal that brought centre-back Marcos Rojo to United. [ 96 ] Nani was given the number 77 shirt. [ 97 ]

Fenerbahçe [edit ]

Nani with Fenerbahçe in 2015 On 6 July 2015, Nani joined turkish club Fenerbahçe, signing a three-year consider [ 103 ] for a £4.25 million transfer fee. [ 104 ] He and his former United teammate Robin van Persie debuted 22 days later in a scoreless home attract against Shakhtar Donetsk in the third base qualifying round of the season ‘s Champions League, with Nani starting. [ 105 ] He scored two goals including the achiever, a free-kick in second-half arrest time, against Antalyaspor on 30 August. [ 106 ]

valencia [edit ]

In July 2016, Nani signed for spanish club Valencia on a three-year narrow, with Valencia paying an undisclosed fee – reported at £7.2 million – to complete the transfer. [ 107 ]

lend to Lazio [edit ]

On 31 August 2017, Lazio announced the sign of Nani on a season-long loanword batch. [ 108 ] He scored his foremost goal for Lazio on 29 October, the final goal of a 5–1 away victory over Benevento. [ 109 ]

rejoinder to Sporting CP [edit ]

On 11 July 2018, Sporting CP announced that Nani would be rejoining the club. [ 110 ]

Orlando City [edit ]

On 18 February 2019, Nani moved to Orlando City, signing a three-year contract on a Designated Player bargain. [ 111 ] He made his golf club debut on 2 March, coming on as a seventieth minute substitute in Orlando ‘s season opener at home against New York City FC ; the game ended in a 2–2 draw, with Nani registering an assist on Dom Dwyer ‘s equalizer. [ 112 ] He scored his first goals for the team on 6 April 2019, when he netted doubly in Orlando ‘s 4–3 home acquire over Colorado Rapids, including the game–winning penalty in the 89th minute. [ 113 ] On 31 July 2020, he missed a penalty in regulation time against Los Angeles FC in the quarter-finals of the MLS is Back Tournament but belated assisted the last-minute equalizer and scored the winning penalty during an extra-time gunfight. [ 114 ] Orlando City finally finished runner-up in the tournament, losing to Portland Timbers in the final examination. [ 115 ] On 26 November 2021, Nani announced he was leaving Orlando City following the exhalation of his narrow. [ 116 ]

International career [edit ]

Portugal under–21 [edit ]

Nani was the youngest extremity of the Portugal police squad at the 2006 UEFA Under-21 Championship, making his debut on 23 May 2006 in a 0–1 defeat to France U21. [ 117 ] He appeared in all three matches, scoring no goals, before Portugal bowed out in group stages. [ 118 ] During the 2007 european Under-21 Football Championship, he made four appearances, [ 119 ] scoring one goal in a 4–0 victory against Israel U21 in a group stage pit on 16 June 2007, [ 120 ] and had to be taken off during the couple after a properly ankle injury. [ 121 ]

Portugal senior team [edit ]

Nani in carry through for Portugal in 2008 Nani made his foremost appearance for the elder Portuguese team on 1 September 2006, and marked his introduction with a goal in Portugal ‘s 4–2 friendly kill to Denmark. [ 11 ] Nani was omitted from Portugal ‘s 1–1 draw with Armenia, but was recalled for Euro 2008 qualifiers against Poland and Serbia in September. [ 122 ] He besides provided the aid for Ricardo Quaresma ‘s goal in a friendly against Italy on 6 February 2008. [ 123 ] Nani was ruled out of Portugal ‘s friendly with Greece in March 2008 due to injury. [ 124 ]

UEFA Euro 2008 [edit ]

Nani was a regular member of the Portuguese squad in Euro 2008 reservation, and scored one of the goals in the 2–1 away win over Belgium on 2 June 2007. [ 125 ] Nani received a call-up to Luiz Felipe Scolari ‘s 23-man team for Euro 2008 alongside Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. [ 126 ] During the crusade, Nani played three matches and started fair one, [ 118 ] but did provide the serve for Hélder Postiga ‘s goal during a substitute appearance in the 3–2 quarter-final kill to Germany on 19 June. [ 127 ]

2010 FIFA World Cup and Qualification [edit ]

Nani ‘s fourth external goal came in Portugal ‘s final friendly match before their World Cup qualifying political campaign started, a 5–0 victory over the Faroe Islands on 20 August 2008. [ 128 ] Nani scored the final finish of a 4–0 victory all over Malta as Portugal started qualification for the 2010 World Cup on 6 September. [ 129 ] He opened the marking in the 3–2 family loss against Denmark four days late. [ 130 ] Nani helped Portugal bible a play-off set for the World Cup as he netted in the 4–0 home win over Malta on 14 October 2009. [ 131 ] Nani was influential in the play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina, setting up Bruno Alves for the lone goal in the first gear leg. [ 132 ] Raul Meireles ‘ goal in the second-leg sealed Portugal ‘s place at the World Cup in South Africa. [ 133 ] On 1 June 2010, Nani netted Portugal ‘s third in a 3–1 victory over Cameroon. [ 134 ] Following that game Nani was named in Carlos Queiroz 23-man squad for the tournament, [ 135 ] however, on 8 June, Nani was ruled out of the tournament through a shoulder injury and was replaced by Benfica midfielder Rúben Amorim. [ 136 ]

UEFA Euro 2012 [edit ]

Nani scored twice and assisted once in Paulo Bento ‘s beginning game in charge of Portugal in a 3–1 euro 2012 qualifying winnings over Denmark on 8 October 2010. [ 137 ] Nani scored doubly and set up another again in a 5–3 acquire over Iceland on 7 October 2011 .
Nani during a couple against Russia in 2012

2014 FIFA World Cup [edit ]

Nani started in the opening match of the 2014 World Cup for Portugal against Germany. [ 138 ] After the match, he stated how the team played well despite the loss and how “ the referee has discriminated against us, but that ‘s normal, Portugal against big teams never get help ”. [ 139 ] In the team ‘s second gear fastness, Nani scored the open goal for Portugal in a 2–2 tie with the United States. [ 140 ]

UEFA Euro 2016 [edit ]

Nani scored Portugal ‘s foremost goal in the last match of the group stage, a 3–3 draw against Hungary on 22 June, to help the team qualify for the smasher round. [ 141 ] He then contributed to the merely goal of the peer in a 1–0 extra-time victory in the circle of 16 against Croatia on 25 June. [ 142 ] During their quarter-final match on 30 June against Poland, Nani set up Renato Sanches ‘ finish in regulation clock time and late scored Portugal ‘s fourthly penalty in an eventual 5–3 shoot-out victory, following a 1–1 draw after extra-time. [ 143 ] In the semi-finals against Wales on 6 July, he scored the second goal in a 2–0 victory. [ 144 ] In the final against host-nation France on 10 July, Nani was awarded the captain ‘s armband after Cristiano Ronaldo was forced off in the first step 25 minutes of the meet following a challenge from Dimitri Payet. During extra-time, substitute Eder scored in the 109th infinitesimal to earn Portugal a 1–0 victory. [ 145 ]

FIFA 2017 Confederations Cup and 2018 World Cup [edit ]

Nani during the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup On 24 June 2017, Nani scored the final examination goal of a 4–0 succeed over New Zealand in the FIFA Confederations Cup which saw Portugal finish third. [ 146 ] In May 2018 he was named in Portugal ‘s preliminary 35-man team for the 2018 World Cup in Russia [ 147 ] but did not make the final examination 23. [ 148 ]

style of play [edit ]

“ Nani ‘s got the likely to do what he wants. He ‘s one of the sharpest players around, has a great strike with both feet – he ‘s got the electric potential to be a clear, top player. ”

– Manchester United teammate Rio Ferdinand on Nani [ 149 ]
In the early stages of his career at Manchester United, Nani ‘s ability and bet stylus often invited comparisons with club and external teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, however Nani ‘s style developed into more that of a traditional winger than Ronaldo ‘s development into a center fore. While being able to play on both wings, Nani is more comfortable on the right side, where he has been known to utilise his pace along with intricate dribbling skills and trickery to create space in wide areas and provide crosses for teammates. Though adequate to of cutting inside from either wing to strike at finish from distance, Nani scores fewer goals but produces a substantially higher proportion of assists than his compatriot Ronaldo. Due to his potent attacking talents, he can play a assortment of extra roles as a forward including as an anatropous winger on the forget, moment striker, or even in a more cardinal side as a main striker, as he has played frequently for Portugal. [ 150 ] [ 151 ]

celebration [edit ]

Nani celebrates a goal with a somersault referred to in Portuguese as a “ mortal ” ( “ jump of death ” ), exchangeable to that of Obafemi Martins and Lomana LuaLua. The celebration derives from Nani ‘s setting in capoeira, which he used to exercise as a child. [ 152 ] For a while, it was reported that United director Sir Alex Ferguson had banned Nani ‘s celebration due to fear for his safety. [ 153 ] however, Nani denounced the reports in August 2007, stating it was “ not true ” and that “ Ferguson has never spoken to me about this subject and I am going to continue to celebrate goals in this room. The conversations he has had with me are normal conversations, like he has with all players ”. [ 154 ]

career statistics [edit ]

club [edit ]

As of match played 23 November 2021[149][155][156]

International [edit ]

source : [ 157 ]

Appearances and goals by national team and year

National team
Year
Apps
Goals

Portugal

2006
4
1

2007
7
1

2008
11
3

2009
11
1

2010
7
3

2011
10
3

2012
14
1

2013
8
1

2014
11
1

2015
9
2

2016
14
6

2017
6
1

Total
112
24

International goals [edit ]

Portugal score listed first, score column indicates score after each Nani goal.[157]