Biography
Who is João Neves?
Early life and beginnings
The athlete João Pedro Gonçalves Neves was born in Tavira, Portugal. His early development in the sport began with a hometown organization called Casa Benfica Tavira. This group functions as a feeder club for the larger S.L. Benfica organization. He dedicated four seasons to training at a development center located in the Algarve region. In 2016, he transitioned to the main youth academy for Benfica to continue his progression. He eventually signed his first professional contract with the Benfica club in December 2020.
Career highlights at Benfica
The midfielder moved through the various youth squads at the club. He participated in the 2021–22 UEFA Youth League, where his team finished as the tournament winners. This victory served as the first European trophy for the side in six decades. Following this achievement, he advanced to the first team. He played his first professional match for Benfica B against Académico de Viseu in August 2022.
During his first season with the senior squad, he helped the team secure a league title. His manager, Roger Schmidt, invited him to participate in training sessions where he displayed maturity and skill on the ball. He eventually signed a contract extension that kept him with the club until 2028. By the end of the 2022–23 season, he became a regular starter. He scored his first goal for the senior team against rivals Sporting CP in May 2023.
Playing for Paris Saint-Germain
In August 2024, the player joined Paris Saint-Germain after a transfer involving a fee of nearly €60 million. He made an immediate impact by providing two assists during his debut match against Le Havre. Shortly after, he provided two more assists in a game against Montpellier. This performance allowed him to set a record for the most assists in his opening two Ligue 1 appearances. He scored his first goal for the club against Marseille in October 2024.
His time in France included significant team success. He helped the club win consecutive UEFA Champions League titles in 2025 and 2026. In 2025, he played a role in the team winning a continental treble. He also became the youngest Portuguese athlete to reach 30 appearances in the UEFA Champions League, breaking a record previously held by Cristiano Ronaldo. In June 2025, he scored a brace against Inter Miami during the FIFA Club World Cup.
International football career
João Neves represented his country at multiple youth levels, including the under-15, under-19, and under-21 squads. He earned his first senior international cap in 2023. He played for Portugal during the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament. In 2025, he was part of the squad that competed in the UEFA Nations League. The team went on to win the tournament after a penalty shootout against Spain. Later that year, he scored his first senior international goals by netting a hat-trick in a match against Armenia, which helped his country qualify for the World Cup.
Birthday and age
João Neves was born on September 27, 2004, which makes João 22 years old today. That birthday falls under the Libra sign. João shares the date with 37 other famous people.
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