David Luiz joins Pafos FC in surprise return to Europe at age 38
At 38, David Luiz is now making a surprise return to European football. Luiz has signed with Cypriot side Pafos FC, a club currently competing in the Champions League qualifying rounds. This move follows the early end of his contract with Brazilian team Fortaleza on August 1.
Luiz left Europe back in 2021 after two seasons at Arsenal. He later joined Flamengo and then Fortaleza in Brazil. Injuries and a lack of game time at Fortaleza led him to cut his one-year deal short. He only played 17 matches for them. Now, he's set to stay at Pafos until 2027.
Pafos proudly called this signing a 'historic moment' for football in Cyprus. They highlighted Luiz’s experience in some of the world’s biggest clubs and stadiums, calling him a global icon.
Luiz is recovering from a thigh injury, preventing him from playing in the first leg of Pafos’ Champions League third-round qualifier against Dynamo Kyiv. The club hasn’t confirmed when he’ll be back on the pitch.
