João Pedro Gonçalves Neves, 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) and the Portugal national team.
Early Career and Benfica
Neves began his football journey at Casa Benfica Tavira and Benfica Algarve before joining Benfica’s youth academy in 2016. He signed his first professional contract with Benfica in December 2020.
In the 2021–2022 season, Neves was part of the Benfica team that won the UEFA Youth League, marking the club’s first European trophy in 60 years. He made his professional debut for Benfica’s first team in December 2022 and scored his first goal in May 2023 against Sporting CP.
Move to Paris Saint-Germain
In August 2024, Neves transferred to PSG for a reported €59.9 million, plus €10 million in potential add-ons, with Renato Sanches moving to Benfica on loan as part of the deal. He made an immediate impact, providing four assists in his first two Ligue 1 matches, setting a record for the most assists in that span.
Neves scored his first goal for PSG in October 2024 against Marseille. In January 2025, he delivered a standout performance in a Champions League match against Manchester City, scoring a decisive goal and earning the player of the match honors.
International Career
Neves has represented Portugal at various youth levels, including U15, U19, and U21. He made his debut for the senior national team in October 2023 and was part of the squad for UEFA Euro 2024.
Playing Style
Renowned for his technical skills, passing accuracy, and versatility, Neves draws inspiration from midfield greats like Andrés Iniesta and Marco Verratti. His ability to adapt to multiple midfield roles has been a valuable asset for both PSG and the Portuguese national team.