"He was born Luis Carlos Almeida da Cunha, but to football fans across the globe, he was simply known as just Nani'. The former Portugal and Manchester United winger made more than 700 appearances for club and country during a 20-year career that saw him play club football in seven countries across the world and turn out in five major international tournaments."
"I had an older sister who looked after me all the time. Sometimes she'd feed me and, while sharing out the food, she'd joke, For you, for me for Nani.' It may have been merely a throwaway line in a busy household, but the name struck a chord. These little things stick, she kept calling me that all the time and, when I started going out and dancing, everyone called me Nani too. The name stayed with me."
"what he did have was a supportive family, as his childhood was shaped as much by resilience as it was by resources. My brothers and sisters had a huge, positive influence on my life, he continues. I was the youngest of nine, so everyone took great care of me. Nani won four Premier Leagues with Manchester United (Image credit: Alamy) When there wasn't enough food at home, they always tried to find a way for us to share what we had so I'd never go without."
Nani, born Luis Carlos Almeida da Cunha, carried a childhood nickname into a 20-year professional career. He made more than 700 appearances, played in seven countries, took part in five major international tournaments, and earned 112 caps for Portugal, including a Euro 2016 winners' medal. At club level he won four Premier League titles and a Champions League with Manchester United after signing in 2007. The nickname began when an older sister jokingly said "For you, for me for Nani" while sharing food, and he grew up the youngest of nine in a protective household where siblings shared scarce resources so he would not go without.
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