Neves celebrates a goal against Inter Miami in the round of 16 of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Georgia, USA on 29/6. Photo: *Reuters*

In 2019, Portuguese television broadcast a training session of the national U15 team. The atmosphere was lively and tense. Young players jostled and clashed fiercely, their physiques surpassing their peers. Almost all of them, except for one. This young man was like a rabbit lost in a vast forest, dwarfed among giant trees. He looked like he hadn't even reached puberty.

But upon closer observation, he wasn't outmatched. The boy moved all over the field, tenaciously chasing teammates, giving them a hard time. He also controlled the ball with unbelievable composure. He didn't wear the number 10; the number 10 was meant for him. That was Joao Neves, the team's young maestro, standing out with flowing hair and eyes shining bright like two candles. Neves looked like he was created from the image of beautiful dolls labeled "prince." Of course, the boy was much more than that.

"People often underestimate me because of my small size," Neves, then 14 years old, said in an interview. "But football is also a game of intelligence. You don't just need physique; you also need to be smart. Football is not just about strength, but also about how you think."

Now, Neves is a star and considered the "Golden Boy" of Portuguese football. The 2004-born player regularly featured in Benfica's starting lineup at 18 and was called up to the national team at 19. Last summer, Neves joined PSG for a fee of 75.8 million USD, a real bargain considering his performances throughout the season.

Neves playing for the Portuguese national team in the Nations League final against Spain on 9/6, at Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany. Photo: *Reuters*

"He was always seen as having huge potential, but his height and physique made many doubt Neves's ability to reach the top," Nuno Gomes, former director of the Benfica Academy, said about Neves as a teenager. In 2018, Neves was dropped from the Lisbon squad for a prestigious inter-regional youth tournament in Portugal due to his small stature. Even at Benfica, where Neves joined the youth training system at eight, the boy faced countless skeptical looks.

"I had to find a way to break the prejudice that I was a weak player," Neves shared with the French magazine, Onze Mondial, in early 2025. "That thought helped me prepare better. Opponents often have to look down at me because I'm quite short. They think I'm small, weak, and not a threat. I use that to my advantage. I always give my all. Their contempt gives me an edge."

That's also what Neves learned from his idol, Andres Iniesta. Another quality Neves shares with the former Spanish star is the ability to accelerate suddenly with finesse and effectiveness. However, Neves's style is more aggressive. He pressures and chases the ball tirelessly. Whenever his team loses possession, Neves gives the opponent no time to breathe. These qualities made him immensely loved at Benfica.

Neves is also someone who isn't afraid to express his emotions. A day after his mother's funeral last February, Neves played against Toulouse in the Europa League. When the final whistle blew, the 19-year-old collapsed on the field, crying. That image touched the hearts of all Portuguese fans.

"Everyone sees his sensitivity and beautiful soul," Luis Castro, former Benfica youth team coach, said. "Joao is the type of person who creates deep connections with people wherever he goes. Everyone loves him, from fans to teammates. No Benfica fan wanted him to leave, not even the staff."

Neves himself admitted that he didn't actively seek to leave the club he had been with since he was a child. He "was afraid to leave his comfort zone and wasn't sure he would succeed in Paris." Neves cried when Benfica's president, Rui Costa, announced that PSG had made an offer that no one involved could refuse.

But the worry was unnecessary. The Portuguese midfielder has rarely made mistakes since arriving in the French capital. It's not an exaggeration to say that Neves is the epitome of Luis Enrique's squad rejuvenation, with characteristic qualities: desire, resilience, and unwavering determination.

"A source of pure energy that benefits the whole team," Enrique described Neves. "He is a perfect fit for the style of play I'm building. Neves adapted extremely quickly."

Neves (center) lifts the Champions League trophy this season with his PSG teammates at Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany, on 31/5. Photo: *Reuters*

At Benfica, Neves primarily played as a defensive midfielder, just in front of the defense. At PSG, he plays higher up the pitch, partly because the deepest midfield position is held by Vitinha. But this highlights Neves's excellent abilities. After the first two Ligue 1 matches, he had four assists. In the Champions League, Neves also created a goal-scoring pass for a teammate. Neves elevated himself, and what pleased Enrique most about his student was his ball control. Neves rarely loses the ball.

Off the ball, Neves is a terror for opponents thanks to his enthusiasm and seemingly endless energy. He applies pressure or can disrupt the opponent's pressing attempts. On the field, Neves appears at every hot spot with a fearless mentality, ready to tackle and win the ball back.

Neves is a signing that upgraded PSG's entire midfield. It's no coincidence that the French team's midfield plays much more dynamically and effectively than in previous seasons. In particular, Neves and his compatriot Vitinha understand each other intuitively, supporting and regulating PSG's tempo.

But Neves is not perfect. He sometimes doesn't make the right decisions, especially when facing a scoring opportunity. And of course, his small stature puts him at a disadvantage in duels, both in the air and on the ground, sometimes leading to turnovers in midfield.

However, Neves is only 20. He has a long road ahead with many goals to conquer. From his hometown of Tavira, a small city on the Algarve coast, Neves has come a long way. Starting at a regional training center managed by Benfica, then leaving his family to join Benfica's training camp at 11, Neves continues to learn and grow every day, but without losing his unique traits.

"My father always told me to keep my clothes neat because it's a sign of respect for myself and my opponents," Neves explained his habit of tucking in his shirt, an act that holds much value for him, not just aesthetically. "The jersey represents me, so when it hangs out, I'll tuck it back in as quickly as possible. I don't feel comfortable if I don't tuck it in."

Neves's unique mindset and good looks have charmed the entire City of Lights. He was a key player in PSG's historic Champions League victory last month. Yesterday, Neves was the hero again with a brace against Inter Miami, sending PSG to the quarterfinals of the FIFA Club World Cup. In heaven, his mother, Sara, must be very proud of her son. And that's how many people feel about Neves.

"You came to Paris not knowing anyone, not knowing what awaited you. You came alone to a place where you couldn't even speak the local language," Neves's girlfriend, Madalena Aragao, expressed her affection on social media. "But nine months later, you have a team that's like a home, your family. You've truly become a Parisian. Joao, you've made history. I couldn't be prouder."

Vy Anh