{
  "id": 14910825,
  "title": "From David Luiz to Fabinho: Ex-EPL players playing in Conference League",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/from-david-luiz-to-fabinho-ex-epl-players-playing-in-conference-league",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-16T08:46:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/from-david-luiz-to-fabinho-ex-epl-players-playing-in-conference-league/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Several former English Premier League stars are continuing their careers across Europe, showcasing the longevity of experienced players in European football. Brazilian defender David Luiz, who played for Chelsea and Arsenal, now features in the UEFA Conference League with Cypriot champions Pafos. Luiz helped his team reach the league phase, facing top European sides like Bayern Munich, Juventus, and Chelsea, where he scored against Monaco. Pafos finished fourth last season, securing a spot in the Conference League.\n\nAnother familiar name is former Liverpool midfielder Fabinho, who returned to European football after a stint in Saudi Arabia. The Brazilian, now 32, has joined Trabzonspor and is contributing to the Turkish club's efforts in the league. Former Arsenal defender Sead Kolasinac is also staying active, currently playing for Italian club Atalanta. Kolasinac, who endured a long injury layoff due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, recently signed a new one-year contract with the team.\n\nPortuguese midfielder Joao Moutinho remains active at 40, continuing his career with Braga, following his departure from Wolverhampton Wanderers. Moutinho, known for his longevity and 1,156 competitive matches played, has added to his honours, including a League Cup triumph with Braga. Their continued presence in European football highlights the ability of experienced players to remain active and contribute to clubs across different competitions, enhancing their teams' chances on the continental stage.",
  "summary": "Several former Premier League stars, including David Luiz and Fabinho, are continuing their careers in the UEFA Conference League with various European clu Read More: https://punchng.com/from-david-luiz-to-fabinho-ex-epl-players-playing-in-conference-league/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Grant Cohn accuses 49ers reporter David Lombardi of 'hugging' players in locker room",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/grant-cohn-accuses-49ers-reporter-david-lombardi-of-hugging-players",
        "published": "2026-10-15T23:54:26.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "From David Luiz to Fabinho: Ex-EPL players playing in Conference League",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/from-david-luiz-to-fabinho-ex-epl-players-playing-in-conference-league-14911523",
        "published": "2026-10-16T08:50:54.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}