João Pedro Gonçalves Neves, commonly known as João Neves, is a Portuguese professional footballer born on September 27, 2004, in Tavira, Portugal. He plays as a midfielder for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in France’s Ligue 1 and represents the Portugal national team.
Early Career and Development
Neves began his football journey at Casa Benfica Tavira, his local club, where his father served as a coach. In 2016, he joined Benfica Lisbon’s youth academy, and in December 2020, he signed his first professional contract with the club. He was part of the Benfica team that won the UEFA Youth League in April 2022, defeating Red Bull Salzburg 6-0 in the final.
Professional Debut with Benfica
Neves made his professional debut with Benfica’s first team in December 2022 under coach Roger Schmidt. He scored his first professional goal in May 2023 against Sporting CP, contributing to a 2-2 draw. His performances earned him a spot among the finalists for the 2023 Golden Boy award, recognizing the best young talent in European football.
Transfer to Paris Saint-Germain
In August 2024, Neves transferred to PSG for a reported €70 million, signing a five-year contract. He made an immediate impact, scoring his first goal for PSG in a 3-0 victory over Olympique de Marseille in October 2024. By January 2025, he led Ligue 1 in assists with six. His standout performance came in January 2025 against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League, where he scored and was named Man of the Match.
International Career
Neves has represented Portugal at various youth levels, making his debut for the U19 team in September 2021. He earned his first senior national team call-up in October 2023 for UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying matches. He was subsequently included in Portugal’s squad for the Euro 2024 tournament in May 2024.
Playing Style
Known for his technical skills, precise passing, and versatility, Neves draws inspiration from midfield maestros like Andrés Iniesta and Marco Verratti. His ability to influence both defensive and offensive plays has been widely praised, solidifying his role as a key player for both PSG and the Portuguese national team.