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Nani (footballer)
Encyclopedia
Luís Carlos Almeida da Cunha (born 17 November 1986), commonly known as Nani, is a Portuguese
footballer currently playing as a winger for English club Manchester United
in the Premier League and the Portugal national team
. Although predominantly right-footed, he has been utilised on the left-wing on many occasions.
Nani was born in Cape Verde
and emigrated to Europe with his family at an early age. He was raised in Portugal and began his football career playing for local side Real Massamá
. At the age of 16, he began training with Sporting Clube de Portugal and S.L. Benfica on alternate days, eventually joining Sporting's youth squad after they offered him pre-season training. In 2005, he made his professional debut with the club and won the Portuguese Cup
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 move to English club side Manchester United
in July 2007 for a fee of £13.5 million. Nani won the Community Shield
on his competitive debut at the club and has since added a number of trophies which included the Premier League and Champions League
during his debut season at the club. He has established himself as first-choice winger at Manchester United and has won a further Premier League title, the Football League Cup
, one FIFA Club World Cup
, and three Community Shield titles. Individually, Nani has been included into the Professional Footballers' Association
(PFA) Premier League Team of the Year
on one occasion and was a nominee for the PFA Young Player of the Year
in 2011.
Nani is also a Portugal international
. Prior to playing at senior level, he played at under-21
level. He made his senior international debut in September 2006 in a friendly match against Denmark
and scored his first international goal during the 4–2 defeat in Copenhagen
. Since his debut, he has made 51 appearances and scored 12 goals for Portugal.
, Cape Verde
, off the west coast
of Africa
. Nani emigrated with his family to Portugal
at an early age. Nani was raised by his aunt Antonia in the Santa Filomena estate in the Amadora
district of Lisbon
after being abandoned by his parents. At the age of five, his father left for a holiday in Cape Verde but never returned and when he was 12 years old his mother left Portugal to start a new life in Holland. Nani has nine siblings from his mother, of which he is the youngest, and five from his father. Nani gained his nickname from an elder sister at a young age.
Nani's older brother taught him how to play football and he played with his childhood friend, midfielder Manuel Fernandes. Around the age of 14, Nani's older brother took him to train with Real Massamá
. They were Nani's first club and gave him money, food, and helped him obtain an ID Card and a passport. At the age of 16, Nani was training on alternate days with Sporting and Benfica. Nani sometimes walked miles to and from practice before Sporting offered him pre-season training. Despite growing up in Lisbon, Nani and his brother supported Porto as a boy and his footballing hero was Luís Figo
.
Nani joined Sporting CP from his first club Real Massamá
. After two seasons in the youth team, where he won the National Junior Championship in 2004–05, Nani was promoted to the first team early in the 2005–06 season. On 10 August 2005, Nani made his Sporting debut, coming on as a substitute for Custódio in the 73rd minute in a 1–0 home defeat to Udinese
in their third-round qualifier
in the UEFA Champions League
. Nani made his Portuguese Liga debut on 28 August, replacing Deivid
in the 76th minute of a 2–1 victory over Marítimo at the Estádio dos Barreiros
. Nani scored his first Sporting goal on 30 October, opening the scoring in a 2–2 draw away to Boavista. Nani ended the first season of his career with 36 appearances and five goals in all competitions.
Nani first came into the spotlight after scoring in the Champions League against Spartak Moscow
, netting Sporting's goal in a 1–1 group stage tie on 27 September 2006. Nani helped Sporting win the 2006–07 Portuguese Cup, lifting the trophy after a 1–0 win over Belenenses on 27 May 2007 in the final. Nani was then named as the SJPF Young Player of the Month for May 2007. Nani's second season with Sporting ended with similar league statistics and 40 appearances and six goals in all competitions.
—with whom he lived for a time at the start of his Manchester United career—at the club.
Nani scored on his debut in a pre-season friendly against Shenzhen, netting the third in a 6–0 win. He also scored in the following game against Guangzhou Pharmaceutical
with a chip off the right post from the left side of the penalty area in a 3–0 win. On 5 August 2007, Nani made his competitive debut for United, coming on as a substitute in the Community Shield
against Chelsea
. He marked his debut with a trophy after they won 3–0 on penalties
, following a 1–1 draw during normal time. This was followed up by Nani's third goal for the club three days later, when he scored against Glentoran
in another 3–0 pre-season win.
Nani's Premier League debut came in United's opening match at home to Reading
on 12 August as a substitute for Wayne Rooney
, who had suffered a foot injury. Two weeks later, on 26 August, Nani scored his first competitive goal for United, netting a 30-yard winner in the 69th minute against Tottenham Hotspur
. Nani also set up crucial goals for Louis Saha
and Nemanja Vidić
allowing United to beat both Sunderland
and Everton
1–0. He returned to his previous club, Sporting, in a Champions League tie in September, though it was team-mate and fellow former Sporting man Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winner in a 1–0 victory. Nani opened the scoring in a 4–1 home victory over Middlesbrough
on 27 October.
On 16 February 2008, Nani put in a man of the match
performance against Arsenal
in the FA Cup
Fourth Round, his goal and two assists helping United to a 4–0 win over their rivals. During the match, Nani was involved in an altercation with Arsenal captain William Gallas
who felt that the Portuguese was "showboating". After the match, Arsène Wenger
was equally displeased, while Gilberto Silva
said that Nani had a "big head". On 23 March, Nani set up the second and scored the final goal in a 3–0 victory over rivals Liverpool
, in the 79th and 81st minutes respectively, after coming onto the pitch as a substitute. On 3 May, towards the end of a 4–1 win over West Ham United
, Nani was sent off for the first time in his United career for a headbutt
on West Ham defender Lucas Neill
. On 21 May, Nani came on as a substitute 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 shootout.
Nani scored his first goal of the 2008–09 season on 23 September 2008, scoring United's third goal in a 3–1 win over Middlesbrough
in the last minute to secure passage to the Fourth Round of the Carling Cup
. On 18 October, he scored from a Wayne Rooney assist to complete the 4–0 rout of West Bromwich Albion
at Old Trafford
. On 20 January 2009, he opened the scoring for United in their 4–2 win at home to Derby County
in the second leg of their League Cup semi-final.
's transfer to Real Madrid
in the 2009 close season, the weight of expectation was on Nani to step up from bit part
player and replace his fellow Portuguese. Nani's first contribution to United's new season was opening the scoring in the 10th minute of the 2009 FA Community Shield
, but United eventually lost the match on penalties after a 2–2 draw. Nani suffered a dislocated shoulder during the match, which was originally expected to keep him out of the start of the season. He recovered in time to play 17 minutes for Portugal against Liechtenstein
on 12 August, however, and started the match against Birmingham City
on 16 August. Although he provided the assist for Rooney's winning goal in the 34th minute, Nani was replaced by Ryan Giggs
at half-time. On 22 August, Nani scored his first league goal of the 2009–10 season, netting a free-kick against Wigan Athletic
in a 5–0 away win.
Following several poor performances, Nani criticised Sir Alex Ferguson
for his lack of confidence in him. Despite this outburst Nani was given a chance to shine and provided an assist for Rooney in the 4–0 league win over Hull City
. Soon after this positive display he put in another good performance in their League Cup semi-final victory over derby
rivals Manchester City
, revealing a heart-to-heart with Sir Alex Ferguson had resulted in a better display of form. On 31 January 2010, Nani scored the first goal and set up Rooney's 100th career Premier League strike in a 3–1 league victory over Arsenal
at the Emirates Stadium
. Nani's goal was first thought of as a Manuel Almunia
own-goal by many sources, but was confirmed as belonging to Nani on 26 March by the Dubious Goals Panel
. Following this performance, Nani then set up the second of a 5–0 home win over Portsmouth
. Just four days later, however, 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
. On 10 March, Nani set up Rooney's second in a 4–0 win over Milan
, before providing another assist for Rooney four days later in the 3–0 league victory over Fulham
.
On 26 March, Nani signed a new four-year contract with United, committing himself until 2014. A day later, Nani took his assist tally in the league for the season to nine as he set up two goals in a 4–0 win over Bolton
at the Reebok Stadium
, providing goals for Dimitar Berbatov
and Darron Gibson
. On 7 April, Nani scored his first ever European
goals for United, netting two strikes in a 3–2 victory over Bayern Munich
. Despite United winning the game, they were eliminated from the competition due to the away goals rule
when the aggregate score was 4–4. On 24 April, Nani scored his first league goal at Old Trafford for 18 months, netting United's second in a 3–1 home victory over Tottenham Hotspur
. On 2 May, Nani scored for the second game in a row, netting the only goal in a 1–0 away victory over Sunderland. Nani's third season with Manchester United ended with 34 appearances and seven goals in all competitions.
to end the game 2–2. Six days later in a 3–0 home victory over West Ham United, Nani netted his first goal of the season and assisted Dimitar Berbatov
in a Man of the Match display. Nani scored and assisted Michael Owen
in a 2–2 away draw away to Bolton Wanderers
on 26 September. On 16 October, Nani scored United's second in a 2–2 home draw against West Bromwich Albion. Four days later Nani scored his first Champions League goal of the season, netting the solitary strike in a 1–0 home victory over Bursaspor
. Nani scored a controversial second goal as United beat Tottenham Hotspur 2–0 at home on 30 October. Nani scored into an empty net after Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes rolled the ball out to take a free-kick that he thought had been given for handball, however, play was allowed to go on as referee Mark Clattenburg
did not blow his whistle. On 27 November, Nani scored United's fifth goal in a 7–1 home win over Blackburn Rovers
. Nani netted his first goal of 2011 as he scored the winning strike in a 2–1 home victory over Stoke City
on 4 January.
On 22 January, Nani scored the final goal of a 5–0 home victory over Birmingham City. Nani netted United's only goal in their first league loss of the season, a 2–1 defeat at Wolves
on 5 February. Seven days later Nani scored his first Manchester derby
goal, opening the scoring in a 2–1 home victory over Manchester City
. On 6 March, during United's 3–1 loss against Liverpool at Anfield
, Nani was injured following a challenge from Jamie Carragher
just before half-time. Nani came to tears after the challenge and subsequently he was stretched off the pitch. Following post-match comments to the press from Manchester United it was believed Nani had suffered a broken leg. However this was not the case as he started training the following week. It was thought that Nani would miss up to three weeks as a result of this tackle and would return in April, however, he recovered in time to play 61 minutes of a 2–1 victory over Marseille
on 15 March. He was revealed as a contender for the Professional Footballers' Association
(PFA) Young Player of the Year
award alongside teammate Javier Hernández on 8 April. However, many people, including Nani, expressed their surprise that he was not nominated for the main award. Following this nomination, he assisted both goals in a 2–0 home win over Fulham on 9 April. Nani lost out to Jack Wilshere
for the PFA Young Player of the Year award on 18 April but he was however included into the PFA Premier League Team of the Year
for the first time. 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.
, including a 94th minute winner, as United came from two goals down to win 3–2 on 7 August 2011. He scored his first league goal of the 2011–12 season by netting United's fifth goal in an 8–2 victory over Arsenal on 28 August. Nani made his 100th Premier League appearance on 18 September as he scored in a 3–1 home win over Chelsea.. He scored with a long range strike after cutting inside from the right wing. He was also awarded with the man of the match. In United's following league game at the Britannia Stadium
, Nani scored his third goal of the season in a 1-1 draw with Stoke City. He played a neat one-two with Darren Fletcher
before slaloming his way through the defense and firing a low shot inside the left post. Nani started the match against Manchester city where they fell victim to a 1-6 beating at home to their neighbours. On 1 November, Nani was shortlisted for the prestigious FIFA Ballon d'Or
one of just four Premier League players Luis Suarez
, Sergio Aguero
and fellow Manchester United player Wayne Rooney.
at the 2006 UEFA Under-21 Championship
, making his debut on 23 May 2006 in a 0–1 defeat to France U21
. He appeared in all three games, scoring no goals, before Portugal bowed out in group stages. During the 2007 European Under-21 Football Championship
, he made four appearances, scoring one goal in a 4–0 victory against Israel U21
in a group stage match on 16 June 2007, and had to be taken off during the match after an right ankle
injury.
Nani made his first appearance for the senior Portuguese team
on 1 September 2006, and marked his debut with a goal in Portugal's 4–2 friendly defeat to Denmark
. Nani was omitted from Portugal's 1-1 draw with Armenia
, but was recalled for Euro 2008 qualifiers against Poland
and Serbia
in September. He also provided the assist for Ricardo Quaresma
's goal in a friendly against Italy
on 6 February 2008. Nani was ruled out of Portugal's friendly with Greece
in March 2008 due to injury.
's 23-man squad for Euro 2008 alongside Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. During the campaign Nani played three games and started just one, but did provide the assist for Hélder Postiga
's goal during a substitute appearance in the 3–2 quarter-final defeat to Germany
on 19 June.
started, a 5-0 victory over the Faroe Islands
on 20 August 2008. Nani scored the final goal of a 4–0 victory over Malta
as Portugal started qualification for the 2010 World Cup
on 6 September. He opened the scoring in the 3-2 home loss against Denmark four days later. Nani helped Portugal book a play-off place for the World Cup as he netted in the 4-0 home win over Malta on 14 October 2009. Nani was influential in the play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina
, setting up Bruno Alves
for the only goal in the first leg. Raul Meireles' goal in the second-leg sealed Portugal's place at the World Cup in South Africa
. On 1 June 2010, Nani netted Portugal's third in a 3–1 victory over Cameroon
. Following that game Nani was named in Carlos Queiroz
23-man squad for the tournament, However on 8 June, Nani was ruled out of the tournament through a shoulder injury and was replaced by Benfica midfielder Ruben Amorim
.
's first game in charge of Portugal in a 3–1 Euro 2012 qualifying
win over Denmark on 8 October 2010.
Nani scored twice and set up another again in a 5-3 win over Iceland on October 7th, 2011.
In Ronaldo's absence, however, Nani's style has developed into a more classical winger's style, able to play on both wings though more comfortable on the right, utilising pace, ball control and trickery to create space. While capable of cutting off both wings to strike at goal from distance, Nani has substantially fewer goals, yet a substantially higher proportion of assists than his former colleague.He can Also play in the more attacking position of forward or wing forward.
and Lomana LuaLua
. The celebration derives from Nani's background in capoeira
, which he used to practice as a child. For a while, it was reported that United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, had banned Nani's celebration due to fear for his safety. Nani denounced the reports in August 2007, stating that 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 way. The conversations he has had with me are normal conversations, like he has with all players."
Statistics accurate as of match played 26 November 2011
Manchester United
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
footballer currently playing as a winger for English club Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
in the Premier League and the Portugal national team
Portugal national football team
The Portugal national football team represents Portugal in association football and is controlled by the Portuguese Football Federation, the governing body for football in Portugal. Portugal's home ground is Estádio Nacional in Oeiras, and their head coach is Paulo Bento...
. Although predominantly right-footed, he has been utilised on the left-wing on many occasions.
Nani was born in Cape Verde
Cape Verde
The Republic of Cape Verde is an island country, spanning an archipelago of 10 islands located in the central Atlantic Ocean, 570 kilometres off the coast of Western Africa...
and emigrated to Europe with his family at an early age. He was raised in Portugal and began his football career playing for local side Real Massamá
Real Sport Clube
Real Sport Clube is a Portuguese football club situated in Queluz that competes in the Portuguese Second Division. They were founded in 1951.-Current squad:...
. At the age of 16, he began training with Sporting Clube de Portugal and S.L. Benfica on alternate days, eventually joining Sporting's youth squad after they offered him pre-season training. In 2005, he made his professional debut with the club and won the Portuguese Cup
Taça de Portugal
The Taça de Portugal is the main Portuguese national football knock-out competition. The tournament has been officially known as the Taça de Portugal Millennium since 2008, due to its sponsorship by Portuguese private bank Millennium BCP. It has occurred on a yearly basis since 1938 and is...
during his second season with them. Nani was named the SJPF Young Player of the Month
SJPF Young Player of the Month
The SJPF Young Player of the Month is an association football award that recognizes the best Portuguese League young player each month of the season and is conceived by the SJPF .-Winners:Key-Multiple winners:The below table lists those who have won on more than one...
for May 2007 and his performances with Sporting culminated into a move to English club side Manchester United
Manchester United F.C.
Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958...
in July 2007 for a fee of £13.5 million. Nani won the Community Shield
2007 FA Community Shield
The 2007 FA Community Shield was a football match played on 5 August 2007 between 2006–07 Premier League champions Manchester United and 2006–07 FA Cup winners Chelsea. Manchester United won the game 3–0 on penalties, after the match finished 1–1 after 90 minutes; the Community Shield...
on his competitive debut at the club and has since added a number of trophies which included the Premier League and Champions League
2008 UEFA Champions League Final
The 2008 UEFA Champions League Final was a football match that took place on Wednesday, 21 May 2008 at 20:45 CEST . The match was played at the Luzhniki Stadium, in Moscow, Russia, to determine the winner of the 2007–08 UEFA Champions League...
during his debut season at the club. He has established himself as first-choice winger at Manchester United and has won a further Premier League title, the Football League Cup
2009 Football League Cup Final
The 2009 Football League Cup Final was the final match of the 2008–09 Football League Cup, the 49th season of the Football League Cup, a football competition for the 92 teams in the Premier League and The Football League...
, one FIFA Club World Cup
FIFA Club World Cup
The FIFA Club World Cup is a football competition between the champion clubs from all six continental confederations.The first FIFA Club World Championship took place in Brazil in January 2000...
, and three Community Shield titles. Individually, Nani has been included into the Professional Footballers' Association
Professional Footballers' Association
The Professional Footballers' Association is the trade union for professional footballers in England and Wales. The world's oldest professional sport trade union, it has 4,000 members....
(PFA) Premier League Team of the Year
PFA Team of the Year
The Professional Footballers' Association Team of the Year is an annual award given to a set of 44 footballers in the top four tiers of English football; the Premier League, the Championship, League One and League Two, whom are seen to be deserving of being named in a "Team of the Year".The award...
on one occasion and was a nominee for the PFA Young Player of the Year
PFA Young Player of the Year
The Professional Footballers' Association Young Player of the Year is an annual award given to the player aged 23 or under at the start of the season who is adjudged to have been the best of the season in English football...
in 2011.
Nani is also a Portugal international
Portugal national football team
The Portugal national football team represents Portugal in association football and is controlled by the Portuguese Football Federation, the governing body for football in Portugal. Portugal's home ground is Estádio Nacional in Oeiras, and their head coach is Paulo Bento...
. Prior to playing at senior level, he played at under-21
Portugal national under-21 football team
The Portugal national under-21 football team is the national under-21 football team of Portugal and is controlled by the Portuguese Football Federation . They are nicknamed "Esperanças." Esperança means hope, thus they are Portugal's hopes for the future...
level. He made his senior international debut in September 2006 in a friendly match against Denmark
Denmark national football team
The Denmark national football team represents Denmark in association football and is controlled by the Danish Football Association , the governing body for the football clubs which are organized under DBU...
and scored his first international goal during the 4–2 defeat in Copenhagen
Copenhagen
Copenhagen is the capital and largest city of Denmark, with an urban population of 1,199,224 and a metropolitan population of 1,930,260 . With the completion of the transnational Øresund Bridge in 2000, Copenhagen has become the centre of the increasingly integrating Øresund Region...
. Since his debut, he has made 51 appearances and scored 12 goals for Portugal.
Early life
Nani was born on 17 November 1986 in PraiaPraia
Praia , is the capital and largest city of Cape Verde, an island nation in the Atlantic Ocean west of Senegal. It lies on the southern coast of Santiago island in the Sotavento Islands group. It is the island's ferry port and is home to one of the nation’s four international airports...
, Cape Verde
Cape Verde
The Republic of Cape Verde is an island country, spanning an archipelago of 10 islands located in the central Atlantic Ocean, 570 kilometres off the coast of Western Africa...
, off the west coast
West Africa
West Africa or Western Africa is the westernmost region of the African continent. Geopolitically, the UN definition of Western Africa includes the following 16 countries and an area of approximately 5 million square km:-Flags of West Africa:...
of Africa
Africa
Africa is the world's second largest and second most populous continent, after Asia. At about 30.2 million km² including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of the Earth's total surface area and 20.4% of the total land area...
. Nani emigrated with his family to Portugal
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
at an early age. Nani was raised by his aunt Antonia in the Santa Filomena estate in the Amadora
Amadora
Amadora is a city and a municipality in Portugal, in the northwest of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. The city and municipality population is 175,872 in eleven freguesias . With an area of 23.77 km², it is the most densely populated municipality of Portugal...
district of Lisbon
Lisbon
Lisbon is the capital city and largest city of Portugal with a population of 545,245 within its administrative limits on a land area of . The urban area of Lisbon extends beyond the administrative city limits with a population of 3 million on an area of , making it the 9th most populous urban...
after being abandoned by his parents. At the age of five, his father left for a holiday in Cape Verde but never returned and when he was 12 years old his mother left Portugal to start a new life in Holland. Nani has nine siblings from his mother, of which he is the youngest, and five from his father. Nani gained his nickname from an elder sister at a young age.
Nani's older brother taught him how to play football and he played with his childhood friend, midfielder Manuel Fernandes. Around the age of 14, Nani's older brother took him to train with Real Massamá
Real Sport Clube
Real Sport Clube is a Portuguese football club situated in Queluz that competes in the Portuguese Second Division. They were founded in 1951.-Current squad:...
. They were Nani's first club and gave him money, food, and helped him obtain an ID Card and a passport. At the age of 16, Nani was training on alternate days with Sporting and Benfica. Nani sometimes walked miles to and from practice before Sporting offered him pre-season training. Despite growing up in Lisbon, Nani and his brother supported Porto as a boy and his footballing hero was Luís Figo
Luís Figo
Luís Filipe Madeira Caeiro Figo, OIH, is a Portuguese former international footballer. He played as a midfielder for Sporting CP, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Internazionale, during a career which spanned over a period of 20 years. He retired from football on 31 May 2009...
.
Sporting CP
Real Sport Clube
Real Sport Clube is a Portuguese football club situated in Queluz that competes in the Portuguese Second Division. They were founded in 1951.-Current squad:...
. After two seasons in the youth team, where he won the National Junior Championship in 2004–05, Nani was promoted to the first team early in the 2005–06 season. On 10 August 2005, Nani made his Sporting debut, coming on as a substitute for Custódio in the 73rd minute in a 1–0 home defeat to Udinese
Udinese Calcio
Udinese Calcio is an Italian football club based in Udine, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and currently plays in the Serie A. Founded in 1896, Udinese is the second oldest club in the Serie A, after Genoa....
in their third-round qualifier
2005–06 UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds
The qualifying rounds for the 2005–06 UEFA Champions League began on 12 July 2005. In total, there were three qualifying rounds which provided 16 clubs to join the group stage.-First qualifying round:...
in the UEFA Champions League
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
. Nani made his Portuguese Liga debut on 28 August, replacing Deivid
Deivid de Souza
Deivid de Souza, commonly known as Deivid , is a Brazilian football striker who plays for Flamengo.-Early career:...
in the 76th minute of a 2–1 victory over Marítimo at the Estádio dos Barreiros
Estádio dos Barreiros
Estádio dos Barreiros is a multi-purpose stadium in Funchal, Portugal. It is currently used mostly for football matches. It is the home stadium of Club Sport Marítimo and although much larger in its hey-day, the stadium is now able to hold just 8,922 people....
. Nani scored his first Sporting goal on 30 October, opening the scoring in a 2–2 draw away to Boavista. Nani ended the first season of his career with 36 appearances and five goals in all competitions.
Nani first came into the spotlight after scoring in the Champions League against Spartak Moscow
FC Spartak Moscow
FC Spartak Moscow is a Russian football club from Moscow. Having won 12 Soviet championships and 9 of 19 Russian championships they are one of the country's most successful clubs. They have also won the Soviet Cup 10 times and the Russian Cup 3 times...
, netting Sporting's goal in a 1–1 group stage tie on 27 September 2006. Nani helped Sporting win the 2006–07 Portuguese Cup, lifting the trophy after a 1–0 win over Belenenses on 27 May 2007 in the final. Nani was then named as the SJPF Young Player of the Month for May 2007. Nani's second season with Sporting ended with similar league statistics and 40 appearances and six goals in all competitions.
Early years
Nani was sold to Manchester United F.C. for €25.5 million, five percent of which was paid to Real de Massamá. He passed his medical on 6 June 2007, and signed a five-year contract a month later, joining Portugal team-mate Cristiano RonaldoCristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, OIH, , commonly known as Cristiano Ronaldo, is a Portuguese footballer who plays as a winger or striker for Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid and is the captain of the Portuguese national team...
—with whom he lived for a time at the start of his Manchester United career—at the club.
Guangzhou Pharmaceutical F.C.
* League level 1* League level 2-All-time league rankings:*No league game in 1959, 1966–72, 1975, 1976; Guangzhou did not enter the league in 1973, 1974 and 1977. in group stage; no promotion; promoted via FA Cup; relegated for match-fixing scandal....
with a chip off the right post from the left side of the penalty area in a 3–0 win. On 5 August 2007, Nani made his competitive debut for United, coming on as a substitute in the Community Shield
FA Community Shield
The Football Association Community Shield is English football's annual match contested between the champions of the previous Premier League season and the holders of the FA Cup at Wembley Stadium. If the Premier League champions also won the FA Cup then the league runners-up provide the opposition...
against Chelsea
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
. He marked his debut with a trophy after they won 3–0 on penalties
Penalty kick
A penalty kick is a type of direct free kick in association football, taken from twelve yards out from goal and with only the goalkeeper of the defending team between the penalty taker and the goal.Penalty kicks are performed during normal play...
, following a 1–1 draw during normal time. This was followed up by Nani's third goal for the club three days later, when he scored against Glentoran
Glentoran F.C.
Glentoran F.C. is a semi-professional, football club in Northern Ireland. The club was founded in 1882 and plays its home games at the Oval in east Belfast. Club colours are green, red, and black.Glentoran's biggest rivals are Linfield...
in another 3–0 pre-season win.
Nani's Premier League debut came in United's opening match at home to Reading
Reading F.C.
Reading Football Club is an English association football club based in the town of Reading, Berkshire who currently play in the Championship...
on 12 August as a substitute for Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney
Wayne Mark Rooney is an English footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League club Manchester United and the England national team...
, who had suffered a foot injury. Two weeks later, on 26 August, Nani scored his first competitive goal for United, netting a 30-yard winner in the 69th minute against Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur F.C.
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane....
. Nani also set up crucial goals for Louis Saha
Louis Saha
Louis Laurent Saha is a French footballer of Guadelupian origin who currently plays as a forward for Everton FC in the Premier League and the France national team. A former scholar at the Clairefontaine football academy, he started his career at Metz before playing on loan at Newcastle United...
and Nemanja Vidić
Nemanja Vidic
Nemanja Vidić is a Serbian footballer who captains English Premier League club Manchester United. He was part of the Serbia national football team from 2002 to 2011....
allowing United to beat both Sunderland
Sunderland A.F.C.
Sunderland Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear who currently play in the Premier League...
and Everton
Everton F.C.
Everton Football Club are an English professional association football club from the city of Liverpool. The club competes in the Premier League, the highest level of English football...
1–0. He returned to his previous club, Sporting, in a Champions League tie in September, though it was team-mate and fellow former Sporting man Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winner in a 1–0 victory. Nani opened the scoring in a 4–1 home victory over Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough F.C.
Middlesbrough Football Club , also known as Boro, are an English football club based in Middlesbrough, who play in the Football League Championship. Formed in 1876, they have played at the Riverside Stadium since August 1995, their third ground since turning professional in 1889...
on 27 October.
Man of the match
In sport, a Man of the Match or Player of the Game or Man of the Series award is given to the outstanding player, almost always the one who makes the most impact, in a particular match or series. The term was originally used more often in cricket before being adopted by other sports. This can be a...
performance against Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
in the FA Cup
FA Cup
The Football Association Challenge Cup, commonly known as the FA Cup, is a knockout cup competition in English football and is the oldest association football competition in the world. The "FA Cup" is run by and named after The Football Association and usually refers to the English men's...
Fourth Round, his goal and two assists helping United to a 4–0 win over their rivals. During the match, Nani was involved in an altercation with Arsenal captain William Gallas
William Gallas
William Eric Gallas is a French footballer who plays for Tottenham Hotspur.Gallas began his career in France, before being signed by English club Chelsea in 2001. He transferred to rivals Arsenal as part of an exchange deal in 2006...
who felt that the Portuguese was "showboating". After the match, Arsène Wenger
Arsène Wenger
Arsène Wenger, OBE is a French association football manager and former player, who has managed English Premier League side Arsenal since 1996...
was equally displeased, while Gilberto Silva
Gilberto Silva
Gilberto Aparecido da Silva, commonly known as Gilberto Silva, is a Brazilian footballer. He currently plays for Grêmio.Gilberto was raised in a poor family and as a child he balanced playing football with various labour jobs. He began his football career in 1997 with América Mineiro, where good...
said that Nani had a "big head". On 23 March, Nani set up the second and scored the final goal in a 3–0 victory over rivals Liverpool
Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Liverpool, Merseyside. Liverpool has won eighteen League titles, second most in English football, seven FA Cups and a record seven League Cups...
, in the 79th and 81st minutes respectively, after coming onto the pitch as a substitute. On 3 May, towards the end of a 4–1 win over West Ham United
West Ham United F.C.
West Ham United Football Club is an English professional football club based in Upton Park, Newham, East London. They play in The Football League Championship. The club was founded in 1895 as Thames Ironworks FC and reformed in 1900 as West Ham United. In 1904 the club relocated to their current...
, Nani was sent off for the first time in his United career for a headbutt
Headbutt
A headbutt is a strike with the head, typically involving the use of robust parts of the cranium as areas of impact. Effective headbutting revolves around striking a sensitive area with a less sensitive area, such as striking the nose of an opponent with the forehead...
on West Ham defender Lucas Neill
Lucas Neill
Lucas Edward Neill is an Australian Soccer player who currently plays for UAE Pro-League club Al Jazira. He is a full back. Neill had spent almost 15 years of his career playing in England. He represented Australia at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the 2007 AFC Asian Cup, the 2010 World Cup in South...
. On 21 May, Nani came on as a substitute for Wayne Rooney in the 2008 UEFA Champions League Final
2008 UEFA Champions League Final
The 2008 UEFA Champions League Final was a football match that took place on Wednesday, 21 May 2008 at 20:45 CEST . The match was played at the Luzhniki Stadium, in Moscow, Russia, to determine the winner of the 2007–08 UEFA Champions League...
as United defeated Chelsea
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
6–5 on penalties following a 1–1 draw after extra time. Nani took and scored Manchester United's crucial fifth penalty in the shootout.
Nani scored his first goal of the 2008–09 season on 23 September 2008, scoring United's third goal in a 3–1 win over Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough F.C.
Middlesbrough Football Club , also known as Boro, are an English football club based in Middlesbrough, who play in the Football League Championship. Formed in 1876, they have played at the Riverside Stadium since August 1995, their third ground since turning professional in 1889...
in the last minute to secure passage to the Fourth Round of the Carling Cup
Football League Cup
The Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English association football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout basis...
. On 18 October, he scored from a Wayne Rooney assist to complete the 4–0 rout of West Bromwich Albion
West Bromwich Albion F.C.
West Bromwich Albion Football Club, also known as West Brom, The Baggies, The Throstles, Albion or WBA, are an English Premier League association football club based in West Bromwich in the West Midlands...
at Old Trafford
Old Trafford
Old Trafford commonly refers to two sporting arenas:* Old Trafford, home of Manchester United F.C.* Old Trafford Cricket Ground, home of Lancashire County Cricket ClubOld Trafford can also refer to:...
. On 20 January 2009, he opened the scoring for United in their 4–2 win at home to Derby County
Derby County F.C.
Derby County Football Club is an English football based in Derby. the club play in the Football League Championship and is notable as being one of the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888 and is, therefore, one of only ten clubs to have competed in every season of the English...
in the second leg of their League Cup semi-final.
Breakthrough
After Cristiano RonaldoCristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, OIH, , commonly known as Cristiano Ronaldo, is a Portuguese footballer who plays as a winger or striker for Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid and is the captain of the Portuguese national team...
's transfer to Real Madrid
Real Madrid
Real Madrid Club de Fútbol , commonly known as Real Madrid, is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain. The club have won a record 31 La Liga titles, the Primera División of the Liga de Fútbol Profesional , 18 Copas del Rey, 8 Spanish Super Cups, 1 Copa Eva Duarte and 1 Copa de la...
in the 2009 close season, the weight of expectation was on Nani to step up from bit part
Bit part
A bit part is a supporting acting role with at least one line of dialogue . In British television, bit parts are referred to as under sixes...
player and replace his fellow Portuguese. Nani's first contribution to United's new season was opening the scoring in the 10th minute of the 2009 FA Community Shield
2009 FA Community Shield
The 2009 FA Community Shield was the 87th FA Community Shield, an annual football match contested by the winners of the previous season's Premier League and FA Cup competitions...
, but United eventually lost the match on penalties after a 2–2 draw. Nani suffered a dislocated shoulder during the match, which was originally expected to keep him out of the start of the season. He recovered in time to play 17 minutes for Portugal against Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein national football team
The Liechtenstein national football team is the national football team of Liechtenstein and is controlled by the Liechtenstein Football Association. The organisation is known as the Liechtensteiner Fussballverband in German. The team's first match was an unofficial match against Malta in Seoul, a...
on 12 August, however, and started the match against Birmingham City
Birmingham City F.C.
Birmingham City Football Club is a professional association football club based in the city of Birmingham, England. Formed in 1875 as Small Heath Alliance, they became Small Heath in 1888, then Birmingham in 1905, finally becoming Birmingham City in 1943.They were relegated at the end of the...
on 16 August. Although he provided the assist for Rooney's winning goal in the 34th minute, Nani was replaced by Ryan Giggs
Ryan Giggs
Ryan Joseph Giggs OBE is a Welsh professional footballer who plays for Manchester United. Giggs made his first appearance for the club during the 1990–91 season and has been a regular player since the 1991–92 season...
at half-time. On 22 August, Nani scored his first league goal of the 2009–10 season, netting a free-kick against Wigan Athletic
Wigan Athletic F.C.
Wigan Athletic Football Club is an English Premier League Association football club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, having been promoted from the Championship in 2005. Wigan's current spell in the Premier League is the only top flight run in the club's history.They have played at the DW...
in a 5–0 away win.
Following several poor performances, Nani criticised Sir Alex Ferguson
Alex Ferguson
Sir Alexander Chapman "Alex" Ferguson, CBE is a Scottish association football manager and former player, currently managing Manchester United, where he has been in charge since 1986...
for his lack of confidence in him. Despite this outburst Nani was given a chance to shine and provided an assist for Rooney in the 4–0 league win over Hull City
Hull City A.F.C.
Hull City Association Football Club is an English association football club based in Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire, founded in 1904. The club participates in the Football League Championship, the second tier of English football...
. Soon after this positive display he put in another good performance in their League Cup semi-final victory over derby
Manchester derby
The Manchester derby is the name given to football matches between Manchester City and Manchester United. The local derby centres on the City of Manchester and Greater Manchester with approximately four miles separating the clubs with City based in east Manchester at the City of Manchester Stadium...
rivals Manchester City
Manchester City F.C.
Manchester City Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Manchester. Founded in 1880 as St. Mark's , they became Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887 and Manchester City in 1894...
, revealing a heart-to-heart with Sir Alex Ferguson had resulted in a better display of form. On 31 January 2010, Nani scored the first goal and set up Rooney's 100th career Premier League strike in a 3–1 league victory over Arsenal
Arsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
at the Emirates Stadium
Emirates Stadium
Ashburton Grove, currently known as the Emirates Stadium, is a UEFA elite football stadium which is home to Arsenal FC, where they moved from Highbury in 2006. It has an current capacity of 60,361, and there have been rumours of an expansion...
. Nani's goal was first thought of as a Manuel Almunia
Manuel Almunia
Manuel Almunia Rivero is a professional footballer. He plays as a goalkeeper for Arsenal.-Early career:Born in Pamplona, Navarre, Almunia started his senior career with Osasuna's reserve team in 1997, playing two seasons with the team in Segunda División B...
own-goal by many sources, but was confirmed as belonging to Nani on 26 March by the Dubious Goals Panel
Dubious Goals Committee
The Dubious Goals Committee is a committee within the Premier League, the top level of association football in England, which adjudicates in any instance where the identity of the scorer of a goal is disputed....
. Following this performance, Nani then set up the second of a 5–0 home win over Portsmouth
Portsmouth F.C.
Portsmouth Football Club is an English football club based in the city of Portsmouth. The club is nicknamed Pompey. Portsmouth's home matches have been played at Fratton Park since the club's formation in 1898. The team currently play in the Football League Championship after being relegated from...
. Just four days later, however, he was sent off for a lunge at Stiliyan Petrov
Stiliyan Petrov
Stiliyan Alyoshev Petrov is a Bulgarian footballer who captains Aston Villa in the Premier League and the Bulgarian national team. He won the Bulgarian Footballer of the Year award in 2003 when he was playing for Celtic...
against Aston Villa
Aston Villa F.C.
Aston Villa Football Club is an English professional association football club based in Witton, Birmingham. The club was founded in 1874 and have played at their current home ground, Villa Park, since 1897. Aston Villa were founder members of The Football League in 1888. They were also founder...
, which resulted in a three match ban and ruled him out of the League Cup final
2010 Football League Cup Final
The 2010 Football League Cup Final was the final match of the 2009–10 Football League Cup, the 50th season of the Football League Cup, a football competition for the 92 teams in the Premier League and The Football League. The match, played at Wembley Stadium on 28 February 2010, was won by...
. On 10 March, Nani set up Rooney's second in a 4–0 win over Milan
A.C. Milan
Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly referred to as A.C. Milan or simply Milan , is a professional Italian football club based in Milan, Lombardy, that plays in the Serie A. Milan was founded in 1899 by English lace-maker Herbert Kilpin and businessman Alfred Edwards among others...
, before providing another assist for Rooney four days later in the 3–0 league victory over Fulham
Fulham F.C.
Fulham Football Club is a professional English Premier League club based in southwest London Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Founded in 1879, they play in the Premier League, their 11th current season...
.
On 26 March, Nani signed a new four-year contract with United, committing himself until 2014. A day later, Nani took his assist tally in the league for the season to nine as he set up two goals in a 4–0 win over Bolton
Bolton Wanderers F.C.
Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the area of Horwich in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. They began their current spell in the Premier League in 2001....
at the Reebok Stadium
Reebok Stadium
The Reebok Stadium is the home stadium of English Premier League football club Bolton Wanderers, and is located on the Middlebrook Retail Park in Horwich, in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. It is commonly known as 'The Reebok'...
, providing goals for Dimitar Berbatov
Dimitar Berbatov
Dimitar Ivanov Berbatov is a Bulgarian footballer who plays as a forward for Manchester United. He captained the Bulgarian national team from 2006 to 2010, and is its all-time leading goalscorer and has also won the Bulgarian Footballer of the Year a record seven times, surpassing the number of...
and Darron Gibson
Darron Gibson
Darron Thomas Daniel Gibson is an Irish footballer who plays as a midfielder for Manchester United and the Republic of Ireland national team...
. On 7 April, Nani scored his first ever European
UEFA Champions League
The UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
goals for United, netting two strikes in a 3–2 victory over Bayern Munich
FC Bayern Munich
FC Bayern Munich , is a German sports club based in Munich, Bavaria. It is best known for its professional football team, which is the most successful football club in Germany, having won 22 national titles and 15 cups....
. Despite United winning the game, they were eliminated from the competition due to the away goals rule
Away goals rule
The away goals rule is a method of breaking ties in association football and other sports when teams play each other twice, once at each team's home ground. By the away goals rule, the team that has scored more goals "away from home" will win if scores are otherwise equal...
when the aggregate score was 4–4. On 24 April, Nani scored his first league goal at Old Trafford for 18 months, netting United's second in a 3–1 home victory over Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur F.C.
Tottenham Hotspur Football Club , commonly referred to as Spurs, is an English Premier League football club based in Tottenham, north London. The club's home stadium is White Hart Lane....
. On 2 May, Nani scored for the second game in a row, netting the only goal in a 1–0 away victory over Sunderland. Nani's third season with Manchester United ended with 34 appearances and seven goals in all competitions.
2010–11 season
On 22 August 2010, Nani missed a penalty in the 87th minute away to Fulham, and they then equalised two minutes later through Brede HangelandBrede Hangeland
Brede Paulsen Hangeland is a Norwegian footballer who plays for Fulham in the Premier League and the Norwegian national team, of which he is the captain. The son of a Norwegian oil company worker, Hangeland was born in Houston, Texas during his parents' two-year spell in the United States, but...
to end the game 2–2. Six days later in a 3–0 home victory over West Ham United, Nani netted his first goal of the season and assisted Dimitar Berbatov
Dimitar Berbatov
Dimitar Ivanov Berbatov is a Bulgarian footballer who plays as a forward for Manchester United. He captained the Bulgarian national team from 2006 to 2010, and is its all-time leading goalscorer and has also won the Bulgarian Footballer of the Year a record seven times, surpassing the number of...
in a Man of the Match display. Nani scored and assisted Michael Owen
Michael Owen
Michael James Owen is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker for Manchester United.The son of former footballer Terry Owen, Owen began his senior career at Liverpool in 1996. He progressed through the Liverpool youth team and scored on his debut in May 1997...
in a 2–2 away draw away to Bolton Wanderers
Bolton Wanderers F.C.
Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the area of Horwich in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. They began their current spell in the Premier League in 2001....
on 26 September. On 16 October, Nani scored United's second in a 2–2 home draw against West Bromwich Albion. Four days later Nani scored his first Champions League goal of the season, netting the solitary strike in a 1–0 home victory over Bursaspor
Bursaspor
Bursaspor is a professional Turkish football club located in the city of Bursa. Formed in 1963, Bursaspor are nicknamed the Yeşil Timsahlar...
. Nani scored a controversial second goal as United beat Tottenham Hotspur 2–0 at home on 30 October. Nani scored into an empty net after Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes rolled the ball out to take a free-kick that he thought had been given for handball, however, play was allowed to go on as referee Mark Clattenburg
Mark Clattenburg
Mark Clattenburg is an English professional football referee, who officiates primarily in the Premier League, and for FIFA. He is based in Gosforth, Newcastle-upon-Tyne...
did not blow his whistle. On 27 November, Nani scored United's fifth goal in a 7–1 home win over Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn Rovers F.C.
Blackburn Rovers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the town of Blackburn, Lancashire. The team currently competes in the Premier League, the top tier of English football....
. Nani netted his first goal of 2011 as he scored the winning strike in a 2–1 home victory over Stoke City
Stoke City F.C.
Stoke City Football Club is an English professional football club based in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire that plays in the Premier League. Founded in 1863, it is the oldest club in the Premier League, and considered to be the second oldest professional football club in the world, after Notts...
on 4 January.
On 22 January, Nani scored the final goal of a 5–0 home victory over Birmingham City. Nani netted United's only goal in their first league loss of the season, a 2–1 defeat at Wolves
Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club that represents the city of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands region. They are members of the Premier League, the highest level of English football. The club was founded in 1877 and since 1889 has played at...
on 5 February. Seven days later Nani scored his first Manchester derby
Manchester derby
The Manchester derby is the name given to football matches between Manchester City and Manchester United. The local derby centres on the City of Manchester and Greater Manchester with approximately four miles separating the clubs with City based in east Manchester at the City of Manchester Stadium...
goal, opening the scoring in a 2–1 home victory over Manchester City
Manchester City F.C.
Manchester City Football Club is an English Premier League football club based in Manchester. Founded in 1880 as St. Mark's , they became Ardwick Association Football Club in 1887 and Manchester City in 1894...
. On 6 March, during United's 3–1 loss against Liverpool at Anfield
Anfield
Anfield is an association football stadium in the district of Anfield, Liverpool, England, with a seating capacity of 45,522. It has been the home of Liverpool F.C. since their formation in 1892 and was originally the home of Everton F.C. from 1884 to 1892, before they moved to Goodison Park...
, Nani was injured following a challenge from Jamie Carragher
Jamie Carragher
James Lee Duncan "Jamie" Carragher is an English footballer who plays as a defender for Premier League side Liverpool...
just before half-time. Nani came to tears after the challenge and subsequently he was stretched off the pitch. Following post-match comments to the press from Manchester United it was believed Nani had suffered a broken leg. However this was not the case as he started training the following week. It was thought that Nani would miss up to three weeks as a result of this tackle and would return in April, however, he recovered in time to play 61 minutes of a 2–1 victory over Marseille
Olympique de Marseille
Olympique de Marseille is a French association football club based in Marseille. Founded in 1899, the club plays in Ligue 1 and have spent most of its history in the top tier of French football. Marseille have been French champions nine times and have won the Coupe de France a record ten times. In...
on 15 March. He was revealed as a contender for the Professional Footballers' Association
Professional Footballers' Association
The Professional Footballers' Association is the trade union for professional footballers in England and Wales. The world's oldest professional sport trade union, it has 4,000 members....
(PFA) Young Player of the Year
PFA Young Player of the Year
The Professional Footballers' Association Young Player of the Year is an annual award given to the player aged 23 or under at the start of the season who is adjudged to have been the best of the season in English football...
award alongside teammate Javier Hernández on 8 April. However, many people, including Nani, expressed their surprise that he was not nominated for the main award. Following this nomination, he assisted both goals in a 2–0 home win over Fulham on 9 April. Nani lost out to Jack Wilshere
Jack Wilshere
Jack Andrew Garry Wilshere is an English footballer who plays as a midfielder for Arsenal and the England national team....
for the PFA Young Player of the Year award on 18 April but he was however included into the PFA Premier League Team of the Year
PFA Team of the Year
The Professional Footballers' Association Team of the Year is an annual award given to a set of 44 footballers in the top four tiers of English football; the Premier League, the Championship, League One and League Two, whom are seen to be deserving of being named in a "Team of the Year".The award...
for the first time. 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.
2011–12 season
Nani began the new season by putting in a man of the match performance and scoring twice against derby rivals Manchester City in the 2011 Community Shield2011 FA Community Shield
The 2011 FA Community Shield was the 89th FA Community Shield, an annual football match contested by the winners of the previous season's Premier League and FA Cup competitions. The match was the 160th Manchester derby between Manchester United and Manchester City and played at Wembley Stadium,...
, including a 94th minute winner, as United came from two goals down to win 3–2 on 7 August 2011. He scored his first league goal of the 2011–12 season by netting United's fifth goal in an 8–2 victory over Arsenal on 28 August. Nani made his 100th Premier League appearance on 18 September as he scored in a 3–1 home win over Chelsea.. He scored with a long range strike after cutting inside from the right wing. He was also awarded with the man of the match. In United's following league game at the Britannia Stadium
Britannia Stadium
The Britannia Stadium is an all-seater football stadium in Stoke-on-Trent, England and the home of Premier League club Stoke City Football Club. With space for 27,598 spectators . The name is taken from the sponsors of the Stadium the Britannia Co-operative Bank...
, Nani scored his third goal of the season in a 1-1 draw with Stoke City. He played a neat one-two with Darren Fletcher
Darren Fletcher
Darren Barr Fletcher is a Scottish footballer who plays as a central midfielder for English Premier League club Manchester United. He is the current captain of Scottish national team...
before slaloming his way through the defense and firing a low shot inside the left post. Nani started the match against Manchester city where they fell victim to a 1-6 beating at home to their neighbours. On 1 November, Nani was shortlisted for the prestigious FIFA Ballon d'Or
FIFA Ballon d'Or
The FIFA Ballon d'Or is an association football award given annually to the player who is considered to have performed the best in the previous season...
one of just four Premier League players Luis Suarez
Luis Suárez
Luis Suárez may refer to:* Luis Suárez , football player who currently plays for Liverpool F.C.* Luis Suárez Fernández , Spanish historian...
, Sergio Aguero
Sergio Agüero
Sergio Leonel "Kun" Agüero del Castillo is an Argentine footballer who plays as a striker for Manchester City in England's Premier League and the Argentine national team....
and fellow Manchester United player Wayne Rooney.
Portugal under–21
Nani was the youngest member of the Portugal squadPortugal national under-21 football team
The Portugal national under-21 football team is the national under-21 football team of Portugal and is controlled by the Portuguese Football Federation . They are nicknamed "Esperanças." Esperança means hope, thus they are Portugal's hopes for the future...
at the 2006 UEFA Under-21 Championship
2006 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship
-Group B:---------------------Knockout stage:-Semi-finals:-----Final:-Goalscorers:4 goals Klaas Jan Huntelaar3 goals Thomas Kahlenberg Nicky Hofs2 goals Bryan Bergougnoux Ruslan Fomin Artem Milevskiy...
, making his debut on 23 May 2006 in a 0–1 defeat to France U21
France national under-21 football team
The France national under-21 football team , known in France as Les Espoirs , is the national under-21 football team of France and is controlled by the French Football Federation. The team competes in the UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship, held every two years...
. He appeared in all three games, scoring no goals, before Portugal bowed out in group stages. During the 2007 European Under-21 Football Championship
2007 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship
The UEFA U-21 Championship 2007 were held from 10 June 2007 to 23 June 2007. It is the 16th staging of UEFA's European Under-21 Football Championship....
, he made four appearances, scoring one goal in a 4–0 victory against Israel U21
Israel national under-21 football team
Israel's national Under-21 team , also known as Israel Under-21s or Israel U-21s, is considered to be the feeder team for the Israel national football team...
in a group stage match on 16 June 2007, and had to be taken off during the match after an right ankle
Ankle
The ankle joint is formed where the foot and the leg meet. The ankle, or talocrural joint, is a synovial hinge joint that connects the distal ends of the tibia and fibula in the lower limb with the proximal end of the talus bone in the foot...
injury.
Portugal senior team
Portugal national football team
The Portugal national football team represents Portugal in association football and is controlled by the Portuguese Football Federation, the governing body for football in Portugal. Portugal's home ground is Estádio Nacional in Oeiras, and their head coach is Paulo Bento...
on 1 September 2006, and marked his debut with a goal in Portugal's 4–2 friendly defeat to Denmark
Denmark national football team
The Denmark national football team represents Denmark in association football and is controlled by the Danish Football Association , the governing body for the football clubs which are organized under DBU...
. Nani was omitted from Portugal's 1-1 draw with Armenia
Armenia national football team
The Armenia national football team represents Armenia in association football and is controlled by the Football Federation of Armenia, the governing body for football in Armenia...
, but was recalled for Euro 2008 qualifiers against Poland
Poland national football team
The Poland national football team represents Poland in association football and is controlled by the Polish Football Association, the governing body for football in Poland...
and Serbia
Serbia national football team
The Serbia national football team represents Serbia in association football and is controlled by the Football Association of Serbia, the governing body for football in Serbia. Serbia's home ground is Stadion Crvena Zvezda in Belgrade and their last head coach was Vladimir Petrović...
in September. He also provided the assist for Ricardo Quaresma
Ricardo Quaresma
Ricardo Andrade Quaresma Bernardo is a Portuguese footballer of partial Romani descent who currently plays as a winger for Turkish Süper Lig side Beşiktaş J.K and the Portuguese national team. Quaresma began his career at Sporting Clube de Portugal, and has also played for FC Barcelona, FC Porto,...
's goal in a friendly against Italy
Italy national football team
The Italy National Football Team , represents Italy in association football and is controlled by the Italian Football Federation , the governing body for football in Italy. Italy is the second most successful national team in the history of the World Cup having won four titles , just one fewer than...
on 6 February 2008. Nani was ruled out of Portugal's friendly with Greece
Greece national football team
The Greece national football team represents Greece in association football and is controlled by the Hellenic Football Federation, the governing body for football in Greece. Greece's home ground is Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus and their head coach is Fernando Santos...
in March 2008 due to injury.
Euro 2008
Nani was a regular member of the Portuguese squad in Euro 2008 qualification, and scored one of the goals in the 2–1 away win over Belgium on 2 June 2007. Nani received a call-up to Luiz Felipe ScolariLuiz Felipe Scolari
Luiz Felipe Scolari , ComIH , also known as Felipão in Brazil and Phil Scolari in the United Kingdom, is a World Cup-winning Brazilian football manager. He is currently the manager of Palmeiras. He served as the manager of the Portuguese national team from July 12, 2003 to June 30, 2008...
's 23-man squad for Euro 2008 alongside Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. During the campaign Nani played three games and started just one, but did provide the assist for Hélder Postiga
Hélder Postiga
Hélder Manuel Marques Postiga is a Portuguese footballer who plays for Real Zaragoza in Spain, as a striker.After starting professionally at Porto, Postiga went on to have spells in England , France and Greece , before returning to his country with Sporting.A Portuguese international on more than...
's goal during a substitute appearance in the 3–2 quarter-final defeat to Germany
Germany national football team
The Germany national football team is the football team that has represented Germany in international competition since 1908. It is governed by the German Football Association , which was founded in 1900....
on 19 June.
Post Euro 2008–2010
Nani's fourth international goal came in Portugal's final friendly game before their World Cup qualifying campaign2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)
The European zone of qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup saw 53 teams competing for 13 places at the finals. The qualification process started on 20 August 2008, after UEFA Euro 2008, and ended on 18 November 2009. The qualification process saw the first competitive matches of...
started, a 5-0 victory over the Faroe Islands
Faroe Islands national football team
The Faroe Islands national football team represents the Faroe Islands in association football and is controlled by the Faroe Islands Football Association, the governing body for football in the Faroe Islands. The Faroe Islands became a member of FIFA in 1988 and UEFA in 1990 and are the third...
on 20 August 2008. Nani scored the final goal of a 4–0 victory over Malta
Malta national football team
The Malta national football team is the national football team of Malta and is controlled by the Malta Football Association. Malta played its first international game in February 1957, and began competing for qualification to major tournaments in 1962. The side's first competitive victory came in...
as Portugal started qualification for the 2010 World Cup
2010 FIFA World Cup
The 2010 FIFA World Cup was the 19th FIFA World Cup, the world championship for men's national association football teams. It took place in South Africa from 11 June to 11 July 2010...
on 6 September. He opened the scoring in the 3-2 home loss against Denmark four days later. Nani helped Portugal book a play-off place for the World Cup as he netted in the 4-0 home win over Malta on 14 October 2009. Nani was influential in the play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team
The Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team is the national football team of Bosnia and Herzegovina, governed by the Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina...
, setting up Bruno Alves
Bruno Alves
Bruno Eduardo Regufe Alves is a Portuguese footballer who plays for FC Zenit Saint Petersburg in Russia and the Portuguese national team, as a central defender....
for the only goal in the first leg. Raul Meireles' goal in the second-leg sealed Portugal's place at the World Cup in South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
. On 1 June 2010, Nani netted Portugal's third in a 3–1 victory over Cameroon
Cameroon national football team
The Cameroon national football team, nicknamed Les Lions Indomptables , is controlled by the Fédération Camerounaise de Football and is Africa's most successful side in FIFA world cup; having qualified for the FIFA World Cup six times – in 1982, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002 and 2010– more than any...
. Following that game Nani was named in Carlos Queiroz
Carlos Queiroz
Carlos Manuel Brito Leal Queiroz ComIH is a Portuguese football manager. He is currently the manager of the Iran national football team. A former manager of Real Madrid, and Portugal national football team, he has also twice been Alex Ferguson's assistant manager at English club Manchester...
23-man squad for the tournament, However on 8 June, Nani was ruled out of the tournament through a shoulder injury and was replaced by Benfica midfielder Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim
Ruben Filipe Marques Amorim is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays for S.L. Benfica as a midfielder....
.
Euro 2012 qualifying
Nani scored twice and assisted once in Paulo BentoPaulo Bento
Paulo Jorge Gomes Bento is a retired Portuguese footballer, and the current manager of Portugal.A defensive midfielder with tackling ability and workrate as his main assets, he played for two of the major three teams in his country, also playing four years in Spain...
's first game in charge of Portugal in a 3–1 Euro 2012 qualifying
UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying Group H
This page shows the standings and results for Group H of the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying tournament.- Standings :Head-to-Head Tiebreakers...
win over Denmark on 8 October 2010.
Nani scored twice and set up another again in a 5-3 win over Iceland on October 7th, 2011.
Under–21
| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 16 June 2007 | Euroborg Euroborg Euroborg is the stadium of football club FC Groningen, with a capacity of 22,329 seats. Located to the south-east of Groningen, the Euroborg site houses a casino and a movie theatre, a school, a supermarket and a fitness centre. A temporary railway station at the Euroborg has opened in late 2007.... , Groningen, Netherlands Netherlands The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders... |
 Israel U21Israel national under-21 football team Israel's national Under-21 team , also known as Israel Under-21s or Israel U-21s, is considered to be the feeder team for the Israel national football team... |
0–4 | 0–4 | 2007 European Under-21 Football Championship 2007 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship The UEFA U-21 Championship 2007 were held from 10 June 2007 to 23 June 2007. It is the 16th staging of UEFA's European Under-21 Football Championship.... |
Senior team
| # | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 1 September 2006 | Brøndby Stadium Brøndby Stadium Brøndby Stadium is the homeground of football club Brøndby IF, situated in the Greater Copenhagen area. It is referred to as Vilfort Park among Brøndby supporters, named after club legend Kim Vilfort.-History:... , Copenhagen Copenhagen Copenhagen is the capital and largest city of Denmark, with an urban population of 1,199,224 and a metropolitan population of 1,930,260 . With the completion of the transnational Øresund Bridge in 2000, Copenhagen has become the centre of the increasingly integrating Øresund Region... , Denmark Denmark Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark... |
2–2 | 4–2 | Friendly Exhibition game An exhibition game is a sporting event in which there is no competitive value of any significant kind to any competitor regardless of the outcome of the competition... |
|
| 2. | 2 June 2007 | King Baudouin Stadium King Baudouin Stadium The King Baudouin Stadium is a sports ground in north-west Brussels, Belgium. It was inaugurated on 23 August 1930 as the Stade du Jubilé or Jubelstadion in the presence of Prince Leopold. It was built to embellish the Heysel plateau in view of the Brussels International Exposition... , Brussels Brussels Brussels , officially the Brussels Region or Brussels-Capital Region , is the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union... , Belgium Belgium Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many... |
0–1 | 1–2 | UEFA Euro 2008 Qual. | |
| 3. | 20 August 2008 | Estádio Municipal de Aveiro Estádio Municipal de Aveiro Estádio Municipal de Aveiro is a football stadium in Aveiro, Portugal. It was designed for the UEFA Euro 2004 tournament by Portuguese architect Tomás Taveira... , Aveiro, Portugal Portugal Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the... |
5–0 | 5–0 | Friendly | |
| 4. | 6 September 2008 | Ta' Qali National Stadium, Attard Attard Ħ'Attard is a village located at the centre-most point of the island of Malta. Together with Balzan and Lija it forms part of "the Three Villages" and has been inhabited since the Classical Period. Ħ'Attard's traditional Latin motto is Florigera rosis halo due to its many flower gardens and citrus... , Malta Malta Malta , officially known as the Republic of Malta , is a Southern European country consisting of an archipelago situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, south of Sicily, east of Tunisia and north of Libya, with Gibraltar to the west and Alexandria to the east.Malta covers just over in... |
0–4 | 0–4 | 2010 FIFA World Cup Qual. 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA) The European zone of qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup saw 53 teams competing for 13 places at the finals. The qualification process started on 20 August 2008, after UEFA Euro 2008, and ended on 18 November 2009. The qualification process saw the first competitive matches of... |
|
| 5. | 10 September 2008 | Estádio José Alvalade Estádio José Alvalade Estádio José Alvalade is a football stadium in Lisbon, Portugal, home of Sporting Clube de Portugal, one of the country's biggest clubs. It is the center of a complex called Alvalade XXI , designed by Portuguese architect... , Lisbon Lisbon Lisbon is the capital city and largest city of Portugal with a population of 545,245 within its administrative limits on a land area of . The urban area of Lisbon extends beyond the administrative city limits with a population of 3 million on an area of , making it the 9th most populous urban... , Portugal |
1–0 | 2–3 | 2010 FIFA World Cup Qual. | |
| 6. | 14 October 2009 | Estádio D. Afonso Henriques Estádio D. Afonso Henriques The Estádio D. Afonso Henriques is a football stadium in the city of Guimarães, Portugal.The stadium is home of Guimarães's most successful team, Vitória de Guimarães, presently completing in the top-flight Portuguese Liga... , Guimarães Guimarães Guimarães Municipality is located in northwestern Portugal in the province of Minho and in the Braga District. It contains the city of Guimarães.The present Mayor is António Magalhães Silva, elected by the Socialist Party.-Parishes:-Economy:... , Portugal |
1–0 | 4–0 | 2010 FIFA World Cup Qual. | |
| 7. | 1 June 2010 | Complexo Desportivo da Covilhã Complexo Desportivo da Covilhã Complexo Desportivo da Covilhã is a multi-use stadium in Covilhã, Portugal. It is currently used mostly for football matches and is the home stadium of SC Covilhã who currently play in the Liga de Honra... , Covilhã Covilhã Covilhã is a city in Covilha Municipality in Centro region, Portugal. The city proper has 36,723 inhabitants, and the municipality has an area of 555.6 km² with a total population of 53,501, being composed of 31 parishes. It is located in the Cova da Beira subregion, in the district of... , Portugal |
3–1 | 3–1 | Friendly | |
| 8. | 8 October 2010 | Estádio do Dragão Estádio do Dragão The Estádio do Dragão is a football stadium located in Porto, Portugal, with an all-seated capacity of 50,399. Inaugurated on November 16, 2003, it is the current home ground of F.C. Porto, having replaced the club's old venue, the Estádio das Antas... , Porto Porto Porto , also known as Oporto in English, is the second largest city in Portugal and one of the major urban areas in the Iberian Peninsula. Its administrative limits include a population of 237,559 inhabitants distributed within 15 civil parishes... , Portugal |
1–0 | 3–1 | UEFA Euro 2012 Qual. UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying The qualifying competition for UEFA Euro 2012 is a series of parallel association football competitions held over 2010 and 2011 to decide the qualifiers for UEFA Euro 2012, to be held in Poland and Ukraine... |
|
| 9. | 2–0 | |||||
| 10. | 7 October 2011 | Estádio do Dragão Estádio do Dragão The Estádio do Dragão is a football stadium located in Porto, Portugal, with an all-seated capacity of 50,399. Inaugurated on November 16, 2003, it is the current home ground of F.C. Porto, having replaced the club's old venue, the Estádio das Antas... , Porto Porto Porto , also known as Oporto in English, is the second largest city in Portugal and one of the major urban areas in the Iberian Peninsula. Its administrative limits include a population of 237,559 inhabitants distributed within 15 civil parishes... , Portugal |
1–0 | 5–3 | UEFA Euro 2012 Qual. | |
| 11. | 2–0 | |||||
| 12. | 15 November 2011 | Estádio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal | 2–0 | 6–2 | UEFA Euro 2012 Qual. Play-offs UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying play-offs The UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying play-off ties were played over two legs, with the first legs on 11 November and the second legs on 15 November 2011... |
|
Style of play
In the early stages of his career at Manchester United, Nani often invited comparison in playing style and ability with club and international colleague Cristiano Ronaldo, for whom he often deputised at club level.In Ronaldo's absence, however, Nani's style has developed into a more classical winger's style, able to play on both wings though more comfortable on the right, utilising pace, ball control and trickery to create space. While capable of cutting off both wings to strike at goal from distance, Nani has substantially fewer goals, yet a substantially higher proportion of assists than his former colleague.He can Also play in the more attacking position of forward or wing forward.
Celebration
Nani celebrates with a mortal (Leap of death), similar to that of Obafemi MartinsObafemi Martins
Obafemi Akinwunmi Martins is a Nigerian footballer who plays as a striker for Rubin Kazan and the Nigeria national team. He is known for his speed on the ball....
and Lomana LuaLua
Lomana LuaLua
Lomana Trésor LuaLua is a Congolese footballer who plays for Blackpool, and the Congo DR national football team.LuaLua was born in Kinshasa, but moved to England at a young age. After impressing in a college football match, he signed for Colchester United. There, he scored a total of 21 goals in...
. The celebration derives from Nani's background in capoeira
Capoeira
Capoeira is a Brazilian art form that combines elements of martial arts, sports, and music. It was created in Brazil mainly by descendants of African slaves with Brazilian native influences, probably beginning in the 16th century...
, which he used to practice as a child. For a while, it was reported that United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, had banned Nani's celebration due to fear for his safety. Nani denounced the reports in August 2007, stating that 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 way. The conversations he has had with me are normal conversations, like he has with all players."
Personal life
Nani is currently dating Daniela Martins, who has been spotted in some games at Old Trafford.Club
| Club | Season | League | Cup | League Cup | Europe | OtherIncludes other competitive competitions, including the FA Community Shield FA Community Shield The Football Association Community Shield is English football's annual match contested between the champions of the previous Premier League season and the holders of the FA Cup at Wembley Stadium. If the Premier League champions also won the FA Cup then the league runners-up provide the opposition... , UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup FIFA Club World Cup The FIFA Club World Cup is a football competition between the champion clubs from all six continental confederations.The first FIFA Club World Championship took place in Brazil in January 2000... |
Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Sporting CP | 2005–06 | 29 | 4 | 5 | 1 | – | 2 | 0 | – | 36 | 5 | ||
| 2006–07 | 29 | 5 | 5 | 0 | – | 6 | 1 | – | 40 | 6 | |||
| Total | 58 | 9 | 10 | 1 | |– | 76 | 11 | ||||||
| Manchester United Manchester United F.C. Manchester United Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, that plays in the Premier League. Founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878, the club changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to Old Trafford in 1910.The 1958... |
2007–08 | 26 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 41 | 4 |
| 2008–09 | 13 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 31 | 6 | |
| 2009–10 | 23 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 34 | 7 | |
| 2010–11 2010–11 Manchester United F.C. season The 2010–11 season was Manchester United's 19th season in the Premier League, and their 36th consecutive season in the top-flight of English football... |
33 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 49 | 10 | |
| 2011–12 2011–12 Manchester United F.C. season The 2011–12 season is Manchester United's 20th season in the Premier League, and their 37th consecutive season in the top-flight of English football. United are defending Premier League champions, and will be aiming for an unprecedented 20th league title this season. Furthermore, they are competing... |
13 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 19 | 5 | |
| Total | 108 | 20 | 7 | 3 | 9 | 3 | 43 | 3 | 7 | 3 | 174 | 32 | |
| Career total | 166 | 33 | 17 | 4 | 9 | 3 | 51 | 4 | 7 | 3 | 250 | 43 | |
Statistics accurate as of match played 26 November 2011
International
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal Portugal national football team The Portugal national football team represents Portugal in association football and is controlled by the Portuguese Football Federation, the governing body for football in Portugal. Portugal's home ground is Estádio Nacional in Oeiras, and their head coach is Paulo Bento... |
2006 | 4 | 1 |
| 2007 | 7 | 1 | |
| 2008 | 11 | 3 | |
| 2009 | 11 | 1 | |
| 2010 | 8 | 3 | |
| 2011 | 10 | 3 | |
| Total | 51 | 12 | |
Club
Sporting CP- Taça de PortugalTaça de PortugalThe Taça de Portugal is the main Portuguese national football knock-out competition. The tournament has been officially known as the Taça de Portugal Millennium since 2008, due to its sponsorship by Portuguese private bank Millennium BCP. It has occurred on a yearly basis since 1938 and is...
(1): 2006–07
Manchester United
- Premier League (3): 2007–08, 2008–09, 2010–112010–11 Premier LeagueThe 2010–11 Premier League was the 19th season of the Premier League since its establishment in 1992. The 2010–11 fixtures were released on 17 June 2010 at 09:00 BST. The season began on 14 August 2010, and ended on 22 May 2011...
- Football League CupFootball League CupThe Football League Cup, commonly known as the League Cup or, from current sponsorship, the Carling Cup, is an English association football competition. Like the FA Cup, it is played on a knockout basis...
(1): 2008–092009 Football League Cup FinalThe 2009 Football League Cup Final was the final match of the 2008–09 Football League Cup, the 49th season of the Football League Cup, a football competition for the 92 teams in the Premier League and The Football League... - FA Community ShieldFA Community ShieldThe Football Association Community Shield is English football's annual match contested between the champions of the previous Premier League season and the holders of the FA Cup at Wembley Stadium. If the Premier League champions also won the FA Cup then the league runners-up provide the opposition...
(4): 20072007 FA Community ShieldThe 2007 FA Community Shield was a football match played on 5 August 2007 between 2006–07 Premier League champions Manchester United and 2006–07 FA Cup winners Chelsea. Manchester United won the game 3–0 on penalties, after the match finished 1–1 after 90 minutes; the Community Shield...
, 20082008 FA Community ShieldThe 2008 FA Community Shield was a football match played on 10 August 2008 between 2007–08 Premier League champions Manchester United and 2007–08 FA Cup winners Portsmouth as the "curtain-raiser" to the 2008–09 English football season...
, 20102010 FA Community ShieldThe 2010 FA Community Shield was the 88th FA Community Shield, an annual football match contested by the winners of the previous season's Premier League and FA Cup competitions. The match was played at Wembley Stadium, London, on 8 August 2010, and contested by league and cup double winners Chelsea...
, 20112011 FA Community ShieldThe 2011 FA Community Shield was the 89th FA Community Shield, an annual football match contested by the winners of the previous season's Premier League and FA Cup competitions. The match was the 160th Manchester derby between Manchester United and Manchester City and played at Wembley Stadium,... - UEFA Champions LeagueUEFA Champions LeagueThe UEFA Champions League, known simply the Champions League and originally known as the European Champion Clubs' Cup or European Cup, is an annual international club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations since 1955 for the top football clubs in Europe. It...
(1): 2007–082008 UEFA Champions League FinalThe 2008 UEFA Champions League Final was a football match that took place on Wednesday, 21 May 2008 at 20:45 CEST . The match was played at the Luzhniki Stadium, in Moscow, Russia, to determine the winner of the 2007–08 UEFA Champions League... - FIFA Club World CupFIFA Club World CupThe FIFA Club World Cup is a football competition between the champion clubs from all six continental confederations.The first FIFA Club World Championship took place in Brazil in January 2000...
(1): 20082008 FIFA Club World Cup FinalThe 2008 FIFA Club World Cup Final was the final match of the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup, a football tournament for the champion clubs from each of FIFA's six continental confederations. The match took place at the International Stadium of Yokohama, Japan, on 21 December 2008, and pitted South...
Individual
- SJPF Young Player of the MonthSJPF Young Player of the MonthThe SJPF Young Player of the Month is an association football award that recognizes the best Portuguese League young player each month of the season and is conceived by the SJPF .-Winners:Key-Multiple winners:The below table lists those who have won on more than one...
(1): May 2007 - PFA Premier League Team of the YearPFA Team of the YearThe Professional Footballers' Association Team of the Year is an annual award given to a set of 44 footballers in the top four tiers of English football; the Premier League, the Championship, League One and League Two, whom are seen to be deserving of being named in a "Team of the Year".The award...
(1): 2010–11 - Players' Player of the Year (1): 2010–11
External links
- ForaDeJogo Profile
- Profile ManUtd.com
- Nani profile StretfordEnd.co.uk
- Nani profile UEFA.com
- Premier League profile