João Neves is a Portuguese midfielder. He plays for Paris Saint-Germain and the Portuguese national team. He was born on September 27, 2004. He primarily plays as a central midfielder but can also play as a defensive midfielder or even at right-back when needed.
Neves came up through Benfica’s youth system. He impressed with the reserve team and played in the UEFA Youth League in the 2021-22 season. It was Benfica’s first European trophy in 60 years. He got promoted to the first team and made his professional debut at age 18. In his first season with the senior side, he helped Benfica win the league title.
In August 2024, Neves signed with Paris Saint-Germain for €60 million. He quickly became an important player for the club. PSG won their first-ever Champions League titles in back-to-back seasons in 2025 and 2026. The 2025 win was part of a continental treble.
Neves came up through Portugal’s youth system. He represented his country at various levels. He made his senior debut for Portugal in 2023 and played at Euro 2024. In 2025, he was part of the Portugal squad that won the UEFA Nations League.
Top 10 Things You Didn’t Know About João Neves
Trained on the Beach for His First Touch
Former Benfica manager Roger Schmidt once asked Neves where he got his incredible first touch. Neves revealed that as a kid, he played on the beach, on the sand, with the ball always moving, never bouncing. That unusual training ground developed his upper-body technique and close control in a way traditional pitches never could.
World Cup Goal Dedicated to His Late Mother
Neves scored Portugal’s first goal of the 2026 World Cup against DR Congo. After the ball hit the net, he kissed his fingers and pointed to the sky. He later explained: “My mother was missing… I know she’s always with me, that’s why I raised my fingers to the sky.” His mother passed from cancer in 2024.
Used His Height as Fuel
Standing at just 1.74m, Neves was constantly doubted as a teenager. He admitted: “They despise me because of my height.” Opponents would overlook him in set pieces, marking taller players instead. He turned this into an advantage, developing superior intelligence, positioning, and timing to compensate. A small player with a giant mindset.
Paints, Dances, and Plays the Tuba
Neves was the face of Ami Paris’s spring collection, showcasing his unexpected artistic side. In the campaign video, he speaks French, paints, dances, and most surprisingly, plays the tuba. He describes himself as “very organized, patient, and calm… also very creative.” His girlfriend joked: “What can’t you do?”
Tucked-In Shirt Is a Superstition
Neves has a distinctive on-pitch look: his shirt is always tucked into his shorts, with his socks pulled below the knees. This isn’t a fashion choice but a tradition from his Benfica days that became a superstition. He admitted: “I’m even afraid not to do it because, if something bad happens, I’ll use it as an excuse!”
Wears a Hat to Stay Anonymous in Paris
Despite being a Champions League winner with PSG, Neves tries to live a normal life. His trick? Wearing a hat. He explained: “I go to the café and try to stay under the radar… I know two or three people will recognise me, but I think the others will leave me alone.” A simple hat for a global star.
Girlfriend Building LEGO Parc des Princes
Neves’s girlfriend, Madalena Aragão, is a 19-year-old Portuguese actress. To show her support, she started building a LEGO model of PSG’s iconic Parc des Princes stadium, a project that delighted fans. She often travels between Lisbon and Paris to be with him. Love expressed in plastic bricks.
Two-Time Champions League Winner at 21
By the age of 21, Neves had already won the Champions League twice with PSG. He joined the club from Benfica in 2024 and quickly established himself as a key player in a title-winning side. A young player with a trophy cabinet that most veterans envy. Two European crowns before legal drinking age in some countries.
Comes from a Farming Family
Neves grew up in Tavira, a small coastal town in the Algarve. His mother was a PE teacher and his father a police officer who also coached. The family has a farming background, and Neves has spoken about his love for animals, cows, sheep, horses, geese, and chickens. Horses, in particular, are a great passion of his.
Cried When Leaving Benfica
Neves’s departure from Benfica to PSG was deeply emotional. He revealed that both he and Benfica president Rui Costa cried when saying goodbye. It was a testament to the deep bond he had formed with the club that developed him into a world-class talent. Tears of gratitude, not regret.
FAQs
Q. Which clubs has João Neves played for?
A. João Neves started his career at Benfica, then joined Paris Saint-Germain.
Q. What has João Neves won with PSG?
A. Neves helped PSG win back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles in 2025 and 2026.
Q. When did João Neves make his Portugal debut?
A. João Neves made his senior debut for Portugal in 2023.
Q. What position does João Neves play?
A. João Neves mainly plays as a central midfielder.
Q. How did João Neves begin his professional career?
A. Neves came through Benfica’s youth academy.
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