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From the latest transfer news, quizzes, videos, features and interviews with the biggest names in the game, plus lots more.Signup +Once a week...And its LIVE!Sign up to our FREE live football newsletter, tracking all of the biggest games available to watch on the device of your choice. Never miss a kick-off!Signup +Join the clubGet full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.Explore An account already exists for this email address, please log in.Subscribe to our newsletterHe 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.The name Nani there adorned shirts in some of the biggest games in the world - but as he explains, the story behind his nickname is more personal than many realise.You may likeThere were stories in the newspapers every week, but I hadnt paid much attention to them Nani on his life-changing move to Manchester UnitedHe'd often give me little warnings when I wasn't playing well Nani on playing under Manchester United icon Sir Alex Ferguson'If Cristiano didnt win or things didnt go well, hed cryNani on his nickname origin storyIt goes back to my childhood, Nani tells FourFourTwo when asked about the origins of his nickname. I had an older sister who looked after me all the time.Sometimes shed feed me and, while sharing out the food, shed joke, For you, for me for Nani.Get VIP Manchester United tickets HERE with Seat Unique!Manchester United's hospitality offers comfortable, padded seating in the North West Quadrant. The package includes a concourse meal deal (hot food, drink, and snack) and the official matchday programme. Guests also receive a 10 per cent Megastore discount and non-matchday Museum entry, providing a great value, family-friendly match experience for home fans.View DealIt 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.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.While Nani would go on to enjoy a hugely successful career that included four Premier League titles and a Champions League with Manchester United, plus a Euro 2016 winners medal with Portugal, life was far from easy as he grew up.But 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.When there wasnt enough food at home, they always tried to find a way for us to share what we had so Id never go without. They were very protective, especially because we lived in a tough neighbourhood, and it was vital to have them close to guide me.They helped to keep me away from walking the wrong path. There were many temptations and situations that werent good for young kids. One of my brothers, for example, wouldnt let me stay out too late or spend too much time on the streets with friends who might have been a bad influence, to stop me from smoking or doing things that werent right for a child.My siblings were incredibly important.TOPICSManchester UnitedPremier LeagueJoe MewisSocial Links NavigationFor more than a decade, Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor. Mewis has had stints at Mirror Football and LeedsLive among others and worked at FourFourTwo throughout Euro 2024, reporting on the tournament. In addition to his journalist work, Mewis is also the author of four football history books that include times on Leeds United and the England national team. Now working as a digital marketing coordinator at Harrogate Town, too, Mewis counts some of his best career moments as being in the iconic Spygate press conference under Marcelo Bielsa and seeing his beloved Leeds lift the Championship trophy during lockdown.With contributions fromDani Gil
