PSG Star Joao Neves sets the stage for Cristiano Ronaldo last shot at World Cup glory with Portugal

Portugal is closing in on its ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup , and one of its brightest new stars will be right in the middle of the action.

Midfielder João Neves , along with Paris Saint-Germain teammates Vitinha and Gonçalo Ramos, has been called up by national team head coach Roberto Martínez for the final two qualifiers against Ireland and Armenia this month.

Neves - only 21 years old - continues to rise at a blistering pace. Since arriving at PSG from Benfica , he has shown the kind of elite versatility, confidence on the ball, and tactical maturity that big clubs dream about. He's a crafty passer, fearless defender, and nonstop worker - a complete modern midfielder.

Luis Enrique believes Neves has a lot of potential

And while scoring has not historically been Neves' specialty, PSG coach Luis Enrique believes the young midfielder is just scratching the surface of his attacking potential.

" Joao was one of the great signings from last year," the former FC Barcelona head coach said. "We didn't have any doubts about him - his intensity, his quality, the energy he brings. He can still improve a lot of things, including scoring goals. He's an amazing player and we're very happy to have him."

That belief isn't just talk. Neves was almost ever-present during PSG 's 2024-25 UEFA Champions League title run, starting 16 of 17 matches and leading the entire competition in tackles (47). When things get tough, he's the first to roll up his sleeves.

A rising star beside a living legend

Portugal faces the Republic of Ireland on Nov. 13 in Dublin, before returning home to Porto on Nov. 16 to finish qualifying against Armenia. The Seleção sits atop Group F and needs just two points to clinch their World Cup spot. And once they get there, the spotlight will shift to next summer - and the global stage in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

That's where the narrative becomes even bigger. 2026 will almost certainly be the final World Cup for Cristiano Ronaldo - a player widely considered one of the greatest to ever touch a soccer ball. He remains Portugal 's beating heart, but the rise of stars like Neves represents the nation's exciting future.

Joao is poised to become one of the breakout names of the tournament, a must-watch talent whose combination of skill and effort reflects exactly how this refreshed Portuguese squad wants to play. Portugal may already have a UEFA Euro title on its résumé, but the World Cup has always been the dream.