João Neves

Who Is João Neves?

João Pedro Gonçalves Neves is a Portuguese professional footballer. He was born on September 27, 2004, in Tavira, Portugal.

He plays as a central midfielder for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in Ligue 1 and for the Portugal national team. He wears the number 87 jersey for PSG and number 15 for the national team.

In a remarkably short time, João Neves has become one of the most important midfielders in European football. He is a back-to-back UEFA Champions League winner. He is a UEFA Nations League champion. Furthermore, he scored on his FIFA World Cup debut in 2026.

Early Life: From the Algarve to the Benfica Academy

Growing Up in Tavira

Born in Tavira, in Portugal’s Algarve region, Neves is a central midfielder. Tavira is a beautiful historic city at the southernmost tip of Portugal, known for its traditional architecture and warm Mediterranean climate.

João began his football journey early. He started playing at Casa do Benfica in Tavira and later moved to CB Albufeira, before Benfica’s academy recruited him in 2016.

Therefore, his story is one of humble beginnings in a small regional city — and an extraordinary rise to the very top of world football.

A Family That Believed in His Talent

João Neves comes from a supportive family environment. His development at the Benfica academy in Seixal required dedication not just from João himself, but from his family. His academic and sporting journey began in the Algarve and progressed steadily northward — through the feeder academies of Tavira and Faro — until he arrived at Benfica’s prestigious Caixa Futebol Campus.

Benfica Academy and Youth Career (2016–2022)

Rising Through the Ranks

Neves began his youth career with hometown club Casa Benfica Tavira, one of Benfica’s feeder clubs. He then spent four seasons in Benfica’s development centre in Algarve, before moving to Benfica’s main academy in 2016.

From that point, he progressed through every age group at the club. He was meticulous. He was consistent. Moreover, he showed a level of maturity on the ball that was rare for his age.

UEFA Youth League Winner (2022)

Coming through Benfica’s youth system, Neves impressed during his time with the reserve side, winning the UEFA Youth League in 2021–22 and being an instrumental part of Benfica’s first European trophy in 60 years.

This was a landmark achievement. Benfica had waited six decades for a European trophy. João Neves was part of the team that ended that wait.

Additionally, he also won the FIFA U20 Intercontinental Cup in 2022 with Benfica U19. His youth career was already decorated before he had even turned professional.

Breakthrough at Benfica (2022–2024)

Senior Debut and First Season (2022–2023)

On December 30, 2022, the promising midfielder made his debut for Benfica’s first team in a league match against Braga. Integrated into the squad rotation by coach Roger Schmidt, he participated in Benfica’s Portuguese league title win in 2023 and also featured in the Champions League at just 18 years old in February 2023.

He made his debut for Benfica B on August 6, 2022, in a 1-1 draw with Académico de Viseu. He played 11 games in the Portuguese second tier before being called up to the first team.

Furthermore, he scored his first professional goal against Sporting CP on May 21, 2023. It came in one of Portuguese football’s biggest rivalries. His debut goal arrived on the grandest stage possible.

Establishing Himself as a Starter (2023–2024)

He began the following season with a victory over FC Porto in the Supertaça de Portugal and established himself as a key element of the squad.

His rapid progress attracted international attention. His first cap for the senior Portugal team came in October 2023 against Bosnia.

By the end of his time at Benfica, Neves had made 50 league appearances in total at Benfica, scoring four goals and providing one assist.

Joining Paris Saint-Germain (August 2024)

The Transfer That Shook European Football

In August 2024, Paris Saint-Germain paid Benfica €59.9 million, plus up to €10 million in add-ons, for João Pedro Gonçalves Neves. The midfielder was 19 and had played a little over a season and a half for Benfica’s first team.

The transfer was heavily contested. PSG had made an initial bid for Neves of €70 million. Their offer was reportedly rejected. Benfica were adamant that he would not be sold for less than his €120 million release clause, despite PSG agreeing personal terms with Neves. Eventually, both clubs reached an agreement.

PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi said: “João is one of the most talented players in Portugal and internationally. He was so passionate to join PSG and determined to fight for the jersey. We continue to build a fantastic young team at PSG — based on teamwork, talent and collective spirit.”

Instant Impact at the Parc des Princes

He made his PSG debut on August 16 as a substitute in a 4-1 win at Le Havre. He slotted into Luis Enrique’s starting lineup quickly. He became indispensable almost immediately.

At PSG, João found Portuguese-speaking teammates waiting for him. He joined compatriots Nuno Mendes, Danilo Pereira, Vitinha, and Gonçalo Ramos. This familiarity helped him settle rapidly.

Career Highlights at PSG

First Season: Champions League Debut Winners (2024–2025)

João’s first season in Paris was historic. He won the Champions League (2024/2025), Ligue 1 (2024/2025), Coupe de France (2024/2025), Trophée des Champions (2024/2025), and FIFA Intercontinental Cup (2025) with PSG.

PSG went on to win the Champions League for the first time, beating Inter 5-0 in the final in Munich. Neves was a key figure throughout the campaign.

The season ended with the league, the Coupe de France, the Trophée des Champions and the Champions League, and Neves was named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year.

Club World Cup 2025

That summer, at the Club World Cup in the United States, he scored twice against Inter Miami and was sent off in the final, which PSG lost 3-0 to Chelsea.

Second Season: Champions League Defense (2025–2026)

In his second season, João continued to dominate. He made 21 league appearances, scoring five goals, including a hat-trick in a 6-3 victory over Toulouse on August 30.

In the Champions League final in Budapest, PSG drew 1-1 with Arsenal and won the penalty shootout to keep their European crown. Neves also became the youngest Portuguese player to reach 30 appearances in the competition.

No one had a bigger impact than João Neves in the 2026 Champions League final. His interceptions were the most of any PSG player. His composure under pressure was decisive.

In August 2026, he played 75 minutes in a 2-1 win over Aston Villa in Salzburg, which gave the club a second consecutive UEFA Super Cup.

Current Season (2026–2027)

João Neves has hit the ground running in the new season. He has made 5 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain this season. He remains central to Luis Enrique’s plans and continues to grow as a complete midfielder.

International Career: Representing Portugal

Senior Debut and Euro 2024

Neves made his senior international debut in 2023. He quickly became a key part of Portugal’s midfield under coach Roberto Martínez.

At Euro 2024, he represented Portugal, who reached the quarter-finals. He was one of the younger players in the squad, but he was already performing at the highest level.

UEFA Nations League Winner (2025)

In June 2025, he played at right-back in the Nations League final, which Portugal won 5-3 on penalties against Spain to claim their second title in the competition.

This versatility — stepping in at right-back when needed — shows the depth of his footballing intelligence. He is not just a central midfielder. He is a complete footballer.

Qualification Heroics and World Cup 2026

His first international goals all came in one match: a hat-trick in a 9-1 World Cup qualifying win over Armenia on November 16, 2025.

Then came the World Cup itself. At the 2026 World Cup, he scored on his tournament debut, in a 1-1 draw with DR Congo, and was named Player of the Match.

He has made 30 appearances for Portugal since 2023, scoring 4 international goals.

Playing Style: The Midfielder Who Has Everything

João Neves is primarily a central midfielder. However, he can also play as a defensive midfielder and occasionally as a right-back.

He is a right-footed central midfielder who can also play as a holding midfielder and, on occasion, at right-back.

He has been widely described as the heir to Marco Verratti’s throne at PSG — a player who controls tempo, wins the ball back, and distributes it cleanly under pressure. His passing accuracy consistently sits above 92% in major competitions. His pressing is relentless. His reading of the game is exceptional for someone his age.

His main impact is ball progression, pressing, and tempo control from central and defensive midfield.

Honours and Trophies

With Benfica

• Liga Portugal (Primeira Liga): 2022–23
• Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2023–24
• UEFA Youth League: 2021–22
• FIFA U20 Intercontinental Cup: 2022

With Paris Saint-Germain

• UEFA Champions League: 2024–25, 2025–26 (back-to-back)
• Ligue 1: 2024–25, 2025–26
• Coupe de France: 2024–25
• Trophée des Champions: 2024–25, 2025–26
• UEFA Super Cup: 2025–26
• FIFA Intercontinental Cup: 2025

With Portugal

• UEFA Nations League: 2024–25

Individual

• Ligue 1 Team of the Year: 2024–25
• Player of the Match: 2026 FIFA World Cup debut vs DR Congo

Career Statistics

Club Career

Season	Club	Apps	Minutes	Goals	Assists
2022/23	Benfica	20	631	1	1
2022/23	Benfica B	11	359	0	0
2023/24	Benfica	55	4,294	3	1
2024/25	Paris Saint-Germain	52	3,770	5	5
2025/26	Paris Saint-Germain	38	2,575	7	4
2026/27	Paris Saint-Germain	5	405	0	0

International Career (Portugal)

Period	Apps	Goals
2023–present	30	4