After starting to play football in his hometown of Tavira in 2012, João Neves joined SL Benfica’s academy in 2016. He came through every level of the Lisbon club’s youth system, winning the UEFA Youth League in 2022, a few months before making his professional debut.
In his first professional season, he helped Benfica win the Portuguese league title and made his Champions League debut at just 18. Within a few months, he established himself as an undisputed starter for the Lisbon side. That status earned him a place in the national team, with his first Portugal call-up coming in October 2023.
After Euro 2024, played under Roberto Martínez, he joined Paris Saint-Germain on a five-year contract. From the moment he arrived, the midfielder proved to be a key member of Luis Enrique’s starting XI and played a major role in the capital club’s first Champions League triumph. That historic success was followed a year later by another, legendary victory over Arsenal in Budapest. João Neves was indispensable in every area of the pitch as Paris secured its second star. His club success has also been accompanied by his first international trophy, the 2025 Nations League.
