Former Manchester United captain Antonio Valencia is back in the spotlight—and this time, it's not on the pitch, but in the broadcast booth. The 40-year-old Ecuadorian legend has landed a new role as a World Cup expert for Telemundo, just in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Valencia's journey to football stardom began in 2005 when he joined Villarreal in La Liga. After two loan spells at Wigan Athletic, he made the move permanent in 2008. But it was his transfer to Manchester United in 2009 that truly defined his career. Over 10 seasons at Old Trafford, Valencia made 339 appearances, captained the side under Jose Mourinho in 2018, and collected nine major trophies—including two Premier League titles and a Champions League crown.

After leaving United in 2019, Valencia returned to his native Ecuador with LDU Quito before finishing his playing days at Querétaro in Mexico in 2021. But his love for the game never faded. Recently, he suited up for the Manchester United legends team against Southampton and even made a surprise appearance for Wythenshawe Vets in the Cheshire Sunday League—joining a star-studded lineup that includes former Premier League names like Papiss Cisse, Emile Heskey, and Danny Drinkwater.

Now, Valencia is trading his boots for a microphone. Announcing his new role on X, he wrote: "I want to thank God for this new stage, and @TelemundoSports for the trust. I'll try to give my best. See you at the 2026 World Cup." Telemundo echoed the excitement, saying, "The Legends team is taking shape! A lot of history and talent in Telemundo's first expert reveal for the World Cup."

With his wealth of experience—both on the international stage with 99 caps for Ecuador and at the highest club level—Valencia is set to bring unique insight to the world's biggest tournament. Whether you're a United fan, a football historian, or just love a good comeback story, this is one career move worth watching.