David Luiz scores first Champions League since 2017 at age 38 for Pafos

By Canadian Press on November 26, 2025.

LIMASSOL, Cyprus (AP) — At age 38, David Luiz scored his first Champions League goal in more than eight years Wednesday.

The Brazilian defender, playing for Pafos and still sporting his trademark shock of curly hair, soared at a corner to guide a powerful header into the top corner of the Monaco net. It leveled the score at 1-1 in the 18th minute.

He last scored in the competition in October 2017, during his second spell with Chelsea, in a 3-3 draw with Roma at Stamford Bridge.

He was a key player in Chelsea’s Champions League title-winning team in 2012 and later played in the competition for Paris Saint-Germain. His Champions League debut was with Benfica in 2007.

David Luiz returned to Europe in August after four seasons in Brazil to join Cypriot champion Pafos in its debut in the marquee competition.

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The Associated Press