When Chelsea faces Cypriot team Pafos in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday evening, the match will be anything but ordinary for the "Blues" fans, as a familiar face who once wore the club's jersey may appear on the opposing team—a seasoned Brazilian defender, 38-year-old David Luiz.

Luiz, who made a name for himself on European fields with major clubs, most notably Chelsea, as well as significant stints with Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, and Benfica, had returned to his home country in recent years, where he played for Flamengo and then Fortaleza. However, injuries and limited playing opportunities hastened the end of his latest stint, leading to a mutual agreement to part ways with Fortaleza.

After the end of his journey in Brazil, the former Brazilian international was presented with an unexpected opportunity to return to the European continent through an offer from Pafos, the Cypriot league champions. Seeking to add a big name and extensive European experience to their squad, Pafos signed Luiz to a two-year contract, marking one of the most notable deals in the club’s history.

David Luiz's choice to move to Pafos was not arbitrary; it was driven by his desire to continue competing on the European stage and participate in continental tournaments. Today, he finds himself facing a special challenge—going up against his former team, Chelsea, in a story filled with symbolism and nostalgia on the pitch.