Ex-Chelsea star David Luiz makes shock return to European football at 38 as he joins Champions League club on free transfer after terminating Fortaleza contract

Luiz, who signed for Brazilian Serie A side Fortaleza in January 2025 on a one-year deal, terminated his contract mutually on August 1 before securing a move to Cyprus-based Pafos. He has signed a three-year contract with the club, who will compete in the Champions League qualifying rounds.  

The official statement from Pafos read: "Pafos FC is proud to announce the signing of Brazilian football icon David Luiz, who joins the club on a contract until 2027. This landmark transfer marks the most historic moment in Cypriot football — the arrival of a global superstar whose name has echoed in the world’s greatest stadiums." 

Luiz prematurely terminated his contract with Fortaleza after struggling for game time under Renato Paiva due to constant injuries. He was limited to making just 17 appearances for the club. The veteran defender has now returned to Europe after four years away and could once again be competing in the Champions League in the 2025-26 campaign.   

The 38-year-old centre-back is currently out of action with a thigh injury and will not feature in the first leg of Pafos' Champions League third round qualifier against Dynamo Kyiv on Tuesday.