João Neves Explained

João Neves
Full Name:João Pedro Gonçalves Neves
Birth Date:27 September 2004
Birth Place:Tavira, Portugal
Height:1.74 m[1]
Position:Defensive midfielder
Currentclub:Paris Saint-Germain
Clubnumber:87
Youthclubs1:Casa Benfica Tavira
Youthclubs2:Benfica Algarve
Youthyears3:2016–2022
Youthclubs3:Benfica
Years1:2022–2023
Clubs1:Benfica B
Caps1:11
Goals1:0
Years2:2022–2024
Clubs2:Benfica
Caps2:50
Goals2:4
Years3:2024–
Clubs3:Paris Saint-Germain
Caps3:1
Goals3:0
Nationalyears1:2019–2021
Nationalteam1:Portugal U15
Nationalcaps1:4
Nationalgoals1:0
Nationalyears2:2021–2023
Nationalteam2:Portugal U19
Nationalcaps2:17
Nationalgoals2:3
Nationalyears3:2023
Nationalteam3:Portugal U21
Nationalcaps3:6
Nationalgoals3:1
Nationalyears4:2023–
Nationalteam4:Portugal
Nationalcaps4:9
Nationalgoals4:0
Club-Update:22:07, 16 August 2024 (UTC)
Nationalteam-Update:23:38, 26 June 2024 (UTC)

João Pedro Gonçalves Neves (pronounced as /pt/; born 27 September 2004) is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain and the Portugal national team.

Coming through Benfica's youth system, Neves impressed during his time with the reserve side, winning the UEFA Youth League in 2021–22, being instrumental part of Benfica's first European trophy in 60 years. He was subsequently promoted to the first-team, making his professional debut at age 18, where he helped Benfica win the league title in his first season with them. In August 2024, he joined Paris Saint-Germain for a transfer fee of €60 million.

Neves is a former Portugal youth international, representing his country at various levels. He made his senior international debut in 2023.

Club career

Early career

Born in Tavira, Neves began his youth career with hometown club Casa Benfica Tavira, one of Benfica's feeder clubs, he then spent four seasons in Benfica's development centre in Algarve, before moving to Benfica's main academy in 2016.[2] Neves signed his first professional contract with Benfica in December 2020.[3]

Benfica

2022–23: Early career and first-team breakthrough

Neves was a part of the Benfica U19 team which topped their 2021–22 UEFA Youth League group against Dynamo Kyiv, Barcelona and Bayern Munich,[4] [5] and eventually won the tournament. [6] He made his professional debut with Benfica B in a 1–1 LigaPro draw to Académico de Viseu on 6 August 2022.[7] On 24 August, Neves started in Benfica's 1–0 against Peñarol at the 2022 Under-20 Intercontinental Cup.[8]

During the league break to facilitate the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he made his unofficial debut for Benfica's first team on 11 December 2022, in a closed-doors friendly against Sevilla.[9] During this time, Benfica's first team manager Roger Schmidt invited him to participate in several first-team training sessions, impressing him with his ability, dedication and maturity on the ball. On December 21, Neves signed a contract extension with Benfica until 2028.[10] He made his debut for the senior team on the first day of 2023, coming on late as a substitute in the 3–0 defeat to Braga in the Primeira Liga.[11] On 7 March, Neves made his UEFA Champions League debut, replacing João Mário in the 74th minute and providing an assist on Benfica's fifth goal, in their 5–1 home win against Club Brugge in the second leg of the Champions League round-of-16.[12]

In the final months of the season, following the departure of Enzo Fernández, Neves eventually earned a place in the starting eleven over Florentino Luís, most notably scoring his first goal for the club on 21 May against crosstown rivals Sporting CP in the Derby de Lisboa, securing his side a draw after they were down by two goals at half-time.[13] [14] He would make 17 league appearances for Benfica as they sealed their first league title in four years, following a 3–0 home win over Santa Clara, on the final day of the league campaign.[15]

2023–24: Primeira Liga Team of Year and departure

Neves started the 2023–24 season, on 9 August, being named man of the match in the 2–0 victory over Porto in the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira.[16] On 12 November, Neves scored the 94th minute equalizer in an eventual 2–1 league victory over rivals Sporting CP, at the Estádio da Luz;[17] while also receiving the Man of the Match award.[18] Over the following months, Neves established himself as one of the best midfielders in Portugal, being voted as the Primeira Liga's Midfielder of the Month between the months September and December, a feat which he repeated in February and March 2024, with only Braga's Rodrigo Zalazar winning it in January.[19] At the end of the season, despite Benfica finishing as runners-up in the league, Neves was named in the Primeira Liga Team of the Year.

In July 2024, it was reported that Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain had made an initial bid for Neves of €70 million (£59 million).[20] Their offer was rejected and negotiations continued, with Benfica being adamant that he would not be sold for less than his €120 million release clause, despite PSG agreeing personal terms with Neves.[21] Shortly after, Benfica's President Rui Costa denied that he "would only leave for his release clause and therefore, those claims were false", but confirmed the club had received a bid for him, with negotiations between them and a club still proceeding.[22] [23] On 2 August, Rui Costa confirmed Neves' departure to Paris Saint-Germain, stating that he could not refuse a €70 million offer for him, leading Benfica to confirm his transfer three days later.[24] [25]

Paris Saint-Germain

On 5 August 2024, Neves signed a five-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), for a fee of €60 million fee plus €10 million in add-ons, and Renato Sanches moving in the other direction on a loan deal.[26] [27] [28] On 16 August, he made his official debut in a 4–1 win over Le Havre, coming on as a substitute and assisting Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola goals in PSG's win.[29] [30]

International career

Neves represented Portugal at under-15 and under-19, for a total of 21 caps.[31] In June 2023, Neves took part in the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, scoring his first goal on 27 June in a 2–1 against Belgium.[32] Portugal were eliminated from the tournament, on 2 July, after a 1–0 loss to England in the quarter-finals.[33]

On 6 October 2023, Neves was called up to the Portuguese team for the first time for UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying matches against Slovakia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.[34] He debuted the same year on 16 October, coming off the bench to replace Otávio in the 85th minute of a 5–0 away victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina.[35]

On 21 May 2024, Neves was selected in the 26-man squad for the UEFA Euro 2024.[36] With Portugal having secured qualification from their group, he debuted in the competition as a starter in a 2–0 loss against Georgia.[37] [38] Neves did not appear in the knockout stage as they were eliminated from the tournament in the quarter-finals after losing to France 5–3 in a penalty shootout.[39]

Style of play

A footballer praised for his mature, highly developed mental attributes on the field since a young age,[40] João Neves is a quick, agile and technically gifted central midfielder, with notable passing and tackling skills, quick reactions, and close ball control. He is also known for his stamina, bravery and composure on the ball, as well as for his balance and the ability to retain possession in tight spaces when under pressure. In addition, despite his relatively slight frame, he ranks high on the percentile for aerial battles won.[41] [42]

He usually plays for Benfica as a deep-lying playmaker, primarily playing in a double pivot in a 4–2–3–1 formation. There, he has a key role in their attempts to dictate possession. Neves usually drops deep and receive the ball, at times inside his own box. His acceleration over short distances allows him to create distance from his marker, without needing too much disguise or deceptive movement. His versatility also allows him to drop between central defenders, or between a central defender and full-back, to create overloads in the build phase. His most potent ability is evading this pressure, using his agility and low centre of gravity to roll away to the opposite side of the defender's approach and accelerate into the space beyond. His athletic attributes enable him to excel in the counter-press, where he reacts immediately to losing possession, engaging the opposing ball-carrier to restrict their time and space.[43] [44]

Career statistics

Club

Club!rowspan="2"
SeasonLeagueNational cupLeague cupContinentalOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Benfica B2022–23Liga Portugal 2110110
Benfica2022–23Primeira Liga171000030201
2023–24Primeira Liga333603012010553
Total504603015010754
Paris Saint-Germain2024–25Ligue 11000000010
Career total624603015010874

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
Portugal202330
202460
Total90

Honours

Benfica Youth

2021–22[45]

2021–22[46]

2022[47] Benfica

2022–23[48]

Individual

October/November 2023,[56] February 2024[57]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: João Neves . S.L. Benfica . 2 May 2023.
  2. Web site: João Neves profile. 28 November 2021. 26 April 2022. record.pt. Portuguese.
  3. Web site: João Neves assina contrato profissional. João Neves signs professional contract. 11 December 2020. 15 August 2022. slbenfica.pt. Portuguese.
  4. Web site: 20 October 2021. Youth League: Benfica-Bayern. 25 January 2022. O Jogo. pt-PT.
  5. Web site: 20 October 2021. Categórico escreveu-se com golos. 25 January 2022. SL Benfica. pt.
  6. Web site: Benfica: a história dos 24 jogadores que venceram a Youth League. maisfutebol.iol.pt. 29 August 2022. 26 October 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221026082110/https://maisfutebol.iol.pt/amp/benfica/youth-league/benfica-a-historia-dos-24-jogadores-que-venceram-a-youth-league. dead.
  7. Web site: João Neves signs new contract . 2024-02-26 . www.slbenfica.pt . en.
  8. https://observador.pt/2022/08/21/entrou-marcou-decidiu-benfica-vence-penarol-no-mitico-centenario-com-golo-de-luis-semedo-e-conquista-taca-intercontinental-sub-20/ Entrou, marcou, decidiu: Benfica vence Peñarol no mítico Centenário com golo de Luís Semedo e conquista Taça Intercontinental Sub-20
  9. Web site: Benfica-Sevilha, 0-1: os destaques das águias . 2024-02-26 . CNN Portugal . pt.
  10. Web site: Benfica anuncia renovação com João Neves . 2024-02-26 . CNN Portugal . pt.
  11. Web site: João Neves: «Passados dez anos de muito esforço, alcancei o meu sonho» . 2024-02-26 . CNN Portugal . pt.
  12. Web site: Abola.pt . 2023-03-07 . Benfica «Especial é jogar com a camisola do Benfica» Abola.pt . 2024-02-26 . Abola.pt . pt.
  13. Web site: Sporting-Benfica: João Neves arrancou empate ao cair do pano. O Jogo. 21 May 2023. 17 September 2023.
  14. Web site: VÍDEO: João Neves, aos 90+4, dá empate ao Benfica em Alvalade . 2024-02-26 . CNN Portugal . pt.
  15. Web site: 2023-05-27 . The justice of those who became champions early on! . 2024-02-26 . www.slbenfica.pt . en.
  16. Web site: Ángel Di María and Petar Musa on target as Benfica beat Porto 2-0 in the Super Cup . OneFootball . 9 August 2023 .
  17. Web site: Roseiro . Bruno . 12 November 2023 . João Neves, um gigante dois em um que vê soluções e esconde problemas (a crónica do Benfica-Sporting) . João Neves, a two-for-one giant that sees solutions and hides problems (Benfica-Sporting chronicle) . 13 November 2023 . Observador . pt-PT.
  18. Web site: 13 November 2023 . João Neves eleito "Homem do Jogo" no dérbi, mas houve outros destaques . João Neves chosen as "Man of the Match" in the derby, but there were other highlights . 13 November 2023 . OneFootball . pt-pt.
  19. Web site: João Neves: Benfica's Homegrown Superstar in Midfield. Breaking the Lines . 29 March 2024.
  20. Web site: Trouble for Man Utd as PSG outbid Red Devils with €70m offer for Benfica star Joao Neves. Goal. 11 July 2024.
  21. Web site: AGREEMENT REACHED IN PRINCIPLE BETWEEN PSG AND JOÃO NEVES. Get French Football News. 16 July 2024.
  22. Web site: Benfica confirm they have received bid for Arsenal, Man Utd & PSG target Joao Neves as club president hints they may accept bid lower than €120m release clause. Goal. 20 July 2024.
  23. Web site: Rui Costa sobre João Neves: «Há uma proposta em cima da mesa que está a ser avaliada». ABola. 20 July 2024.
  24. News: Rui Costa justifica saída de João Neves: "Verbas de 70 milhões são impossíveis de abdicar". Rui Costa justifies João Neves' departure: "Funds of 70 million are impossible to refuse". Diário de Notícias. pt. 2 August 2024. 5 August 2024.
  25. News: Benfica presta esclarecimento sobre João Neves. Benfica provides clarification on João Neves. A Bola. pt. 5 August 2024. 5 August 2024.
  26. Web site: Paris Saint-Germain signs Portuguese midfielder João Neves. Paris Saint-Germain F.C.. 5 August 2024. 5 August 2024.
  27. Web site: PSG confirm Joao Neves signing on five-year contract. The Athletic. 5 August 2024. 5 August 2024.
  28. Web site: Sai João Neves, entra Renato Sanches. Os detalhes do acordo Benfica-PSG. Desporto ao Minuto. 1 August 2024. 5 August 2024.
  29. Web site: 2024-08-16 . PSG opens post-Mbappé era with 4-1 win at Le Havre in French league . 2024-08-16 . Newsday . en.
  30. Web site: 16 August 2024 . João Neves makes debut . 17 August 2024 . Paris Saint-Germain F.C..
  31. Web site: João Neves. 15 August 2022. Portuguese Football Federation. pt.
  32. Web site: History: Portugal 2-1 Belgium | UEFA Under-21 2023 .
  33. Web site: England U21 1-0 Portugal U21. Alex. Howell. BBC Sport. BBC. 2 July 2023. 14 July 2023.
  34. Web site: Roberto Martinez convoca para Eslováquia e Bósnia. Portuguese Football Federation. pt. 6 October 2023.
  35. Web site: João Neves é o segundo estreante da "era" Roberto Martínez. João Neves is the second debutant of the Roberto Martínez "era". Rádio e Televisão de Portugal. 16 October 2023. pt.
  36. News: Convocados para o Euro 2024. Called up for Euro 2024. Portuguese Football Federation. 21 May 2024. pt.
  37. Web site: Ben. Fisher. Kvaratskhelia propels Georgia to last 16 with famous win over Portugal. The Guardian. 26 June 2024 .
  38. Web site: Georgia 2–0 Portugal. UEFA. 26 June 2024 .
  39. Web site: Emma. Sanders. Portugal 0–0 France (France win 5–3 on pens). BBC Sport. BBC. 5 July 2024. 6 July 2024.
  40. Web site: João Félix: «O Neves tem 19 anos, mas parece que tem 30» . 2023-11-13 . Maisfutebol . pt.
  41. Web site: João Neves: Benfica's Homegrown Gem . 2023-11-13 . Breaking The Lines . en-GB.
  42. Web site: Roseiro . Bruno . João Neves, um gigante dois em um que vê soluções e esconde problemas (a crónica do Benfica-Sporting) . 2023-11-13 . Observador . pt-PT.
  43. Web site: João Neves position and style of play. 2024-07-24 . The Coaches Voice . en.
  44. Web site: JOAO NEVES : THE ANATOMY OF A MIDFIELD DYNAMO.. 2024-07-24 . Medium . 25 March 2024 . en.
  45. https://www.zerozero.pt/xray.php?jogador_na_equipa_id=6444&jogador_id=587629&epoca_id=151 Raio X de Jogador João Neves Benfica zerozero.pt
  46. https://web.archive.org/web/20220426135322/https://www.abola.pt/clubes/2022-04-26/benfica-conheca-os-24-herois-da-youth-league/938266/40 Conheça os 24 heróis da Youth League (Benfica)
  47. Web site: 21 August 2022 . Sub-20: a Taça Intercontinental é nossa! . 25 August 2022 . . pt.
  48. Web site: Benfica crowned champions of Portugal. PortuGOAL. Kundert. Tom. 27 May 2023. 27 May 2023.
  49. Web site: Vaza . Marco . 9 August 2023 . Benfica soube mudar para ganhar a Supertaça . 9 August 2023 . Público . pt.
  50. News: 26 March 2024. Gala Cosme Damião: João Neves, Roger Schmidt e Kika Nazareth entre os premiados. pt. ZeroZero. 10 April 2024.
  51. Web site: 11 October 2023 . João Neves eleito VITO Médio do Mês de setembro da Liga Portugal Betclic . João Neves elected Liga Portugal Betclic's VITO Midfielder of the Month for September . Liga Portugal . pt-pt.
  52. Web site: 28 November 2023 . João Neves named once again VITO Midfielder of the Month in Liga Portugal Betclic . 28 November 2023 . Liga Portugal.
  53. Web site: 17 January 2024 . João Neves wins the VITO Midfielder of the Month for the third time in a row . 17 January 2024 . Liga Portuguesa de Futebol Profissional.
  54. Web site: 31 March 2024 . João Neves recebe prémios VITO Médio do Mês da Liga Portugal Betclic . 10 April 2024 . Liga Portuguesa de Futebol Profissional.
  55. Web site: 10 April 2024 . João Neves eleito VITO Médio do Mês de março da Liga Portugal Betclic . 10 April 2024 . Liga Portuguesa de Futebol Profissional.
  56. Web site: João Neves recebe prémio de Melhor Jovem de outubro/novembro da Liga Betclic. Benfica. pt. 31 December 2024. 10 April 2024.
  57. Web site: Liga: João Neves eleito Melhor Jovem de fevereiro da Liga Betclic. Benfica. pt. 18 March 2024. 10 April 2024.
  58. Web site: Jota Silva fecha o 'Onze do Ano' da Primeira Liga. 13 June 2024. 14 June 2024. Sapo Desporto. pt.