David Luiz Makes Champions League History with Late Goal at 38

At the age of 38, David Luiz marked a significant milestone by scoring his first Champions League goal in more than eight years on Wednesday.

The Brazilian defender, currently with Pafos and recognizable by his distinctive curly hair, demonstrated his prowess by soaring at a corner to direct a powerful header into the top corner of the AS Monaco net, equalizing the score at 1-1 in the 18th minute.

With this goal, Luiz, at 38 years and 218 days, became the second-oldest scorer in Champions League history, following Portuguese defender Pepê, who was 40 years and 290 days old when he scored for FC Porto against Shakhtar Donetsk in December 2023.

After Luiz’s goal, Monaco regained the lead through United States striker Folarin Balogun. However, Pafos managed to secure a valuable draw with an own goal from Mohammed Salisu in the 88th minute.

David Luiz’s last Champions League goal was in October 2017 while he was with Chelsea, during a memorable 3-3 draw against Roma at Stamford Bridge. He was instrumental in Chelsea’s Champions League title victory in 2012 and also played in the tournament for Paris Saint-Germain. His Champions League debut took place with Benfica in 2007.

Luiz made his return to Europe in August after spending four seasons in Brazil, joining Cypriot champions Pafos as they made their debut in this prestigious competition.