David Luiz Ends Brazil Stint, Eyes Last European Challenge at Age 38
So, here's some pretty big football news—especially if you’ve followed David Luiz over the years. The former Arsenal and Chelsea defender has officially terminated his contract with Fortaleza, just seven months after signing with the Brazilian club. It’s a sudden twist, but not entirely unexpected if you’ve been tracking his recent form.
Luiz, now 38, had signed with Fortaleza at the start of the year on a deal meant to run until December 2026. But in reality, he barely got a full season in. He only made 17 appearances, and those were frequently interrupted by injuries, including a thigh problem that’s kept him sidelined since early July. Ultimately, both the club and Luiz mutually agreed it was time to part ways—he just couldn’t find his rhythm under manager Renato Paiva.
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Now here’s where it gets interesting: Luiz isn’t retiring just yet. Instead, he’s heading back to Europe—yes, again. According to reports from Brazil, he’s already agreed to join Pafos, the reigning champions in Cyprus. Not exactly a traditional football powerhouse, but Pafos are gearing up for a UEFA Champions League playoff against Dynamo Kyiv, and Luiz is being brought in to bolster their defense and lend his experience to the squad.
He’s expected to sign a contract running all the way to 2028, which would take him to the age of 41 if he sees it through. It’s likely his final stop in what’s been a globe-spanning career. At Pafos, he’ll link up with players like Domingos Quina, Pêpê Rodrigues, and Alexandre Brito, as the team aims to make a mark in European competition.
Of course, this move also marks his first return to European football since leaving Arsenal in 2021. After departing the Gunners—where he played 73 games and won the FA Cup and Community Shield—he went on to win silverware with Flamengo, including the Copa Libertadores. He joined Fortaleza earlier this year, but that chapter’s already closed.
All in all, Luiz has had quite a journey. He’s played over 50 times for Brazil, featured for top-tier clubs like Benfica, PSG, Chelsea, and Arsenal, and racked up more than €118 million in total transfer fees throughout his career. Even though his recent moves have been free transfers, his career value still ranks among the highest for a defender.
Now, as he arrives in Cyprus, fans are already gathering to welcome him—his arrival at Pafos Airport is being treated like a major event. Police have even issued guidance for crowd control! So yeah, David Luiz isn’t fading away quietly. He’s still got ambitions, and he’s chasing one last shot at European glory.
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