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João Neves

João Neves is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Paris Saint-Germain and the Portugal national team.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

João Neves is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Paris Saint-Germain and the Portugal national team. Born in Tavira, Portugal, he developed at Benfica’s youth academy, broke into the first team in 2022, and joined PSG in August 2024. He has been noted for his passing, pressing, and defensive work rate.

Early life and youth career

Neves was born in Tavira, in Portugal’s Algarve region, and began playing football locally before joining Benfica’s academy in 2016. He progressed through the club’s youth levels and was part of the Benfica side that won the UEFA Youth League in 2021–22.

Club career

Neves made his professional debut for Benfica in 2022 and became a regular in the first team soon after. In August 2024, he moved to Paris Saint-Germain, where he has played as a midfielder.

International career

Neves earned his first senior cap for Portugal in 2023 and later appeared at UEFA Euro 2024. In November 2025, he scored his first senior international goals, including a hat-trick against Armenia in World Cup qualifying.

Playing style

He is typically deployed as a central or defensive midfielder. Sources describe him as comfortable on the ball, tactically intelligent, and active in pressing and ball recovery.

Key facts

  • Came through Benfica’s youth system and won the UEFA Youth League with Benfica’s youth side in 2021–22.
  • Made his Benfica first-team debut in late 2022 and helped the club win the Primeira Liga title in 2022–23.
  • Transferred to Paris Saint-Germain in August 2024.
  • Has been used mainly as a central or defensive midfielder.
  • Made his senior debut for Portugal in 2023 and scored his first senior international goals in a 9–1 win over Armenia in November 2025, including a hat-trick.

Frequently asked questions

Who is João Neves?
João Neves is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Paris Saint-Germain and Portugal.
When was João Neves born?
He was born on 27 September 2004.
Which clubs has João Neves played for?
He developed at Benfica and later joined Paris Saint-Germain in August 2024.
What position does João Neves play?
He plays mainly as a midfielder, often in central or defensive roles.
Has João Neves played for Portugal?
Yes. He made his senior debut for Portugal in 2023 and has since appeared in major international matches.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jo%C3%A3o_Neves
    Supports: Birth date, youth career, Benfica first-team breakthrough, Portugal appearances, and hat-trick against Armenia.
  2. Paris Saint-Germain — https://www.psg.fr/en/players/joao-neves
    Supports: Biographical details, Benfica youth development, professional debut, move to PSG, position, and international debut.
  3. UEFA — https://www.uefa.com/european-qualifiers/teams/players/250164991--joao-neves/
    Supports: Nationality, date of birth, club number, and position for Portugal competition records.
  4. Transfermarkt — https://www.transfermarkt.us/joao-neves/profil/spieler/670681
    Supports: Date of birth, place of birth, height, position, right-footed profile, PSG transfer date, and contract expiry.