Freebase (0.00/0 votes) Please rate this definition: Nani. Luis Carlos Almeida da Cunha, better known as Nani, is a Portuguese footballer who currently plays for Manchester United and the Portugal national team. He has been referred to as "Portugal's Michael Ballack" due to his excellent ball control and technique. He joined Porto's youth system at the age of nine and was promoted to their first-team squad in 2009 at the age of 18. That season, he helped them win the Primeira Liga title after scoring seven goals in 33 matches. After helping Porto retain their title the following season, he moved to Chelsea on a five-year deal worth £5 million ($7.4 million). However, he failed to make an appearance for the Blues and was loaned out to AC Milan and Juventus before joining United on a free transfer in July 2014. At United, he made his debut in the UEFA Champions League against Basel on 22 September 2014 and scored his first goal for the club in a 4-1 victory over Southampton on 25 October 2014. He also won the Footballer of the Year award at the Portuguese football awards in 2015. Nani has represented Portugal at every level from under-16 through to senior team and is regarded as one of the country's most talented players.