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Renato Sanches

Renato Sanches is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a midfielder.

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

Renato Sanches is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a midfielder. He rose to prominence at Benfica, won the 2016 European Championship with Portugal, and has also played for Bayern Munich, Swansea City, Lille, Paris Saint-Germain and other clubs on loan or permanent transfer.

Early life and youth career

Renato Sanches was born in Amadora, Portugal, and developed in Benfica’s academy before moving into senior football with Benfica B in 2014.

Club career

He broke into Benfica’s first team in 2015, then moved abroad to Bayern Munich in 2016. His later career included spells at Swansea City, Lille, Paris Saint-Germain, Roma and Benfica on loan, with Panathinaikos listed as his 2025/26 loan club.

International career

Sanches became a Portugal international in 2016 and was part of the squad that won UEFA Euro 2016. He was recognised as the tournament’s Young Player of the Tournament.

Playing style and position

UEFA lists Sanches as a midfielder, and transfer listings describe him mainly as a central midfielder who can also play in attacking or defensive midfield roles.

Key facts

  • Sanches came through Benfica’s youth system and made his professional debut for Benfica B in October 2014.
  • He won the 2016 Golden Boy award after his breakthrough season at Benfica.
  • Sanches was part of Portugal’s squad that won UEFA Euro 2016, and he was named Young Player of the Tournament.
  • He joined Bayern Munich in 2016 and later played for Swansea City on loan, Lille, Paris Saint-Germain, AS Roma on loan, and Benfica on loan.
  • As of UEFA’s 2025/26 player listing, he is on the books of Panathinaikos on loan and wears squad number 8 there.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Renato Sanches?
Renato Sanches is a Portuguese midfielder known for his early breakthrough at Benfica and for winning Euro 2016 with Portugal.
What position does he play?
He is primarily a midfielder, especially a central midfielder.
Which clubs has he played for?
His senior career has included Benfica, Bayern Munich, Swansea City, Lille, Paris Saint-Germain, AS Roma, Benfica again on loan, and Panathinaikos on loan.
What is his date of birth?
He was born on 18 August 1997.
What major international honour has he won?
He won the UEFA European Championship with Portugal in 2016.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renato_Sanches
    Supports: Early career, Benfica debut, major club moves, and 2025 loan to Panathinaikos.
  2. UEFA — https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/clubs/players/250058218--renato-sanches/
    Supports: Position, date of birth, height, nationality, and 2025/26 player listing.
  3. Wikipedia (French) — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renato_Sanches
    Supports: Portugal, Benfica, Bayern Munich, Euro 2016, and Golden Boy background.
  4. Transfermarkt — https://www.transfermarkt.us/renato-sanches/profil/spieler/258027
    Supports: Full name, place of birth, citizenship, position, and club history details.
  5. National Football Teams — https://www.national-football-teams.com/player/63577/Renato_Sanches.html
    Supports: Nationality, birth details, position, and Portugal senior international record.
  6. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/stats/_/id/227217/renato-sanches
    Supports: Club career statistics and Benfica appearances.