João Neves (footballer)

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.

In the final months of the season, 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.

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.

In the 2023–24 season, on 12 November 2023, Neves scored the 94th minute equalizer in an eventual 2–1 league victory over rivals Sporting CP, at the Estádio da Luz; while also receiving the Man of the Match award.

Neves represented Portugal at under-15 and under-19, for a total of 21 caps.

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.

Portugal were eliminated from the tournament, on 2 July, after a 1–0 loss to England in the quarter-finals.

On 6 October 2023, Neves was called up to the senior team for the first time for Euro 2024 qualifiers matches against Slovakia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

João Pedro Gonçalves Neves (born 27 September 2004), is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Primeira Liga club Benfica and the Portugal national team.

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.

He made his senior international debut on 16 October, coming off the bench to replace Otávio in the 85th minute of a 5–0 away victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

A footballer praised for his mature, highly developed mental attributes on the field since a young age, 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.

Benfica Youth

Benfica

Individual

Neves signed his first professional contract with Benfica in December 2020.

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, and eventually won the tournament.

He made his professional debut with Benfica B in a 1–1 LigaPro draw to Académico de Viseu on 6 August 2022.

On 24 August, Neves started in Benfica's 1–0 against Peñarol at the 2022 Under-20 Intercontinental Cup.

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.

10 days later, He signed a contract extension with Benfica until 2028.

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.