When you think of Nani, you probably picture him flying down the left wing for Manchester United, dazzling fans with his flair and footwork.
But now, the former football star has taken a completely different path — and it’s just as bold as his playing style.
The 38-year-old ex-Portugal international has thrown his support behind a left-wing political coalition in his home country, signaling that red runs deeper than just the color of his old jersey.
Nani Pledges Political Support in Portugal
As Portugal gears up for its third general election in just three years, Nani has popped up in an unexpected place: political promo materials.
A digital poster recently surfaced showing him smiling alongside the slogan “eu apoio” (“I support”) — backing the Democratic Unitary Coalition (CDU), an alliance between the Portuguese Communist Party and the Greens.
Their campaign focuses on key social issues like wages, pensions, healthcare, housing, and peace — themes that clearly resonate with the star’s working-class roots.
But Did He Actually Post It?
Interestingly, while the image has circulated widely online and through media outlets like L’Équipe and RMC, neither the coalition’s official channels nor Nani’s social media accounts have acknowledged or posted the content.
That hasn’t stopped fans from reacting to the unexpected crossover between sports and politics.
From United Glory to Global Journeyman
Nani officially hung up his boots in December 2023 after a career most footballers can only dream of.
He spent eight seasons at Manchester United, bagged four Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy, and was part of the Portuguese national team that famously won Euro 2016.
After United, Nani’s globe-trotting career saw him suit up for clubs in Turkey, Spain, Italy, the U.S., Australia, and back home in Portugal — his last game was poetically against his boyhood team,