João Neves renews until 2028

STATEMENTS TO BTV

With an eagle on his chest for 11 seasons, young midfielder João Neves (18 years old) renewed his contract with Sport Lisboa e Benfica. The new contract of the player, who made his debut for the first team on December 11 in a friendly match against Sevilla, is valid until 2028.

"It is a demonstration of trust in me, and they trust me because I work and give everything. The least I can do for Benfica is to keep working, to keep on learning because I have just started, and I have a lot more to grow and learn", commented João Neves.

"The debut with the first team was a unique and unforgettable moment", recalled the midfielder, thinking back to the night of December 11 this year. "I was lucky enough to share that experience in the Algarve, where my whole family was watching the game. When I left the pitch it really hit me, when I went to the audience. It is a feeling that will never be repeated, for sure", claimed the athlete. 

Throughout his formative years at the Club, João Neves played in teams of all levels, and at the age of 17 made his debut for the Under-23 in 2021/22. That same season, he was part of the group of athletes that made history by winning the UEFA Youth League, the first trophy of that competition in Benfica's history.

João Neves also contributed to Benfica's success in the final of the U-20 Intercontinental Cup (0-1 against Peñarol, in Montevideo, on August 21, 2022).

This season, the midfileder made his debut for the B team, against Académico de Viseu, on August 6, 2022, on matchday 1 of the Segunda Liga 2022/23. Since then, he has been used in eight more matches of Luís Castro's team.

João Neves also has a history in the Portuguese youth national teams, totaling, at the date of this contract renewal, 19 caps (15 in the Under-19s; 4 in the Under-15s).