With his brace in Paris Saint-Germain’s 4-0 victory over Inter Miami CF in Sunday’s FIFA Club World Cup™ quarter-final, Joao Neves broke new ground.
Never before had he scored twice in one match, and his first-half double represented the latest milestone in an embryonic, yet hugely impressive career.
The 20-year-old midfielder joined PSG from Benfica in August 2024 and quickly set about showcasing his expansive range of qualities. An incisive and creative passer, he also boasts impressive tactical intelligence and works tigerishly out of possession.
Until this point, goalscoring has not been a standout aspect of his game. He had netted five goals in 55 PSG matches before the Miami clash. Coach Luis Enrique, however, is convinced Neves can build on his Club World Cup strikes and take his game to even greater heights.
“We did great last year with the players we signed, and Joao was one of them,” the Spanish coach said. “He is very young, but we didn’t have any doubts about him because of his intensity and quality on and off the ball. I think he can improve a lot of things. One of them is scoring goals, like he did today. He has the energy to play at a high level. He is an amazing player and we’re very happy to have him.”
Neves, who was awarded the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match prize for his exceptional display against Miami, outlined how Luis Enrique’s philosophy was a key reason for him joining PSG.
The Portugal international said: “It’s his mindset, the way he sees football. I think it’s the best way. That was for sure one of the things I thought before coming. I am very happy to be here at PSG and with this project.
“In this game, it was my first time scoring two goals in one match, but I’m happier for the win. I will keep my mindset forever like this.”
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Neves has become a near ever-present the PSG team. In their run to UEFA Champions League glory in 2024/25, he started 16 of their 17 matches, with his only substitute appearance coming in the opening game of their campaign. His appetite for the battle is highlighted by the fact he made 47 tackles in the competition, more than any other player.
In his post-match press conference, Luis Enrique was asked to discuss the ‘team-first’ culture he has cultivated at the club. His response outlined why he views a player of Neves’ profile as a valuable asset.
“Every single manager in the world wants to play in a collective way,” he said. “This is not an individual sport. All the managers, we want to have the best individual quality players to play like that. It’s not difficult to say, it’s maybe more difficult to do. The most important thing is to do things playing as team, on the ball and off the ball, to try to get the best results.”
Neves’ team-mates were also quick to pay tribute to the young midfielder, with Willian Pacho hailing him as an “incredible” player.
Bradley Barcola added: “I’m not surprised (to see Neves perform to this level). Since the start of the season, when he arrived, he immediately showed us his qualities. When he plays a match like that, for us, it’s normal.”
