At 38 years old, David Luiz netted his first Champions League goal in over eight years on Wednesday.
The Brazilian defender, now playing for Pafos and still recognizable by his signature curly hair, leaped at a corner kick and delivered a powerful header into the top corner of the AS Monaco goal, leveling the match at 1-1 just 18 minutes into the game.
At the age of 38 years and 218 days, he becomes the second-oldest scorer in Champions League history, trailing only Portuguese defender Pepe, who scored for FC Porto against Shakhtar Donetsk at 40 years and 290 days in December 2023.
Following Luiz’s equalizer, Monaco regained the lead through American striker Folarin Balogun. Yet, Pafos managed to secure a crucial draw with an own goal from Mohammed Salisu in the 88th minute.
The last time David Luiz scored in the Champions League was in October 2017, while playing for Chelsea in a 3-3 draw against Roma at Stamford Bridge.
During his career, he was instrumental in Chelsea’s Champions League victory in 2012 and also featured in the tournament with Paris Saint-Germain. Luiz made his Champions League debut with Benfica in 2007.
David Luiz made his return to Europe in August after spending four seasons in Brazil, signing with Cypriot champions Pafos as they made their debut in the prestigious competition.
This report contains information from The Associated Press.