Not many know Nani by his original name LuÃs Carlos Almeida da Cunha. He redefined starting with a bang, by bagging the Community Shield in his competitive debut at Manchester United, adding three more titles. That was just the beginning as he went on to win many other awards, establishing himself as a player to watch out for. He has been included in 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.
Born and Raised
Nani was born on 17 November 1986 in Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, off the West African coast.
Nani immigrated with his family to Portugal at an early age and was raised by his aunt Antónia 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.
Young Footballer
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 Clube de Portugal 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 FC Porto as a boy and his footballing hero was LuÃs Figo.
Career before Manchester United
Nani joined Sporting Clube de Portugal from his first club, Real Massamá. He made his Portuguese Liga debut on 28 August, replacing Deivid in the 76th minute of a 1–2 victory over MarÃtimo at the Estádio dos Barreiros.
International Debut
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.
Life in Manchester United
Nani was sold to Manchester United for €25.5 million, 5% of which was paid to Real Massamá, his first professional club.