{"id":286196,"first_name":"Nuno Albertino","last_name":"Varela Tavares","short_name":"Nuno Tavares","common_name":"Nuno Tavares","place_of_birth":"Lisboa","gender":"male","height":184,"weight":79,"status":"active","createdAt":"2024-11-07T13:41:55.857Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T14:35:36.717Z","locale":"en","age":24,"stb_id":"nuno-tavares","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"Nuno Tavares","top_position":null,"introduction":"Nuno Albertino Varela Tavares is a formidable presence in the world of football, known for his dynamic play as a left-back. Representing both Serie A club Lazio and the Portugal national team, Tavares is currently on loan from Premier League club Arsenal. His journey from youth academies in Lisbon to the international stage showcases his significant impact and potential in professional football.","early_life_and_career":"## Early Years\nNuno Tavares was born on 26 January 2000 in Lisbon, Portugal, to parents of Cape Verdean descent. Growing up in the vibrant city of Lisbon, Tavares developed an early passion for football. His upbringing in a city known for its rich football culture and history no doubt fueled his interest in the sport. Throughout his childhood, Tavares balanced his education with his football aspirations, a commitment evident from his time at Casa Pia where his manager, João Silva, supported him both in his training and academics. \n\n## Youth Career\nNuno Tavares began his football journey with Sporting CP, one of Lisbon's prominent clubs, where he spent a formative three years. He further honed his skills with Casa Pia, a testament to his dedication and potential as a player. Eventually, he secured a position at Benfica's renowned youth academy, where his football prowess continued to flourish. It was at Benfica that Tavares transitioned into a professional pathway, setting the stage for his senior debut and further career advancements.","professional_career_and_highlights":"## Club Career\nNuno Tavares made his professional debut with Benfica's reserve team in the LigaPro on 27 October 2018, in a match that ended with a 3–2 victory over Covilhã. His first appearance for Benfica's main squad occurred on 4 August 2019, where he played a crucial role in a resounding 5–0 victory over Sporting in the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira. Subsequently, he made his Primeira Liga debut in a similar winning fashion, assisting two goals in a 5–0 triumph over Paços de Ferreira. However, his early career faced challenges; following a performance against Porto, Tavares temporarily returned to Benfica's B side but quickly restored his standing. Over his tenure with Benfica, he accumulated 41 competitive appearances. In July 2021, Tavares signed with Arsenal for a reported fee of £8 million. His journey in the Premier League commenced on 13 August with a match against Brentford. Despite initial promising performances, Tavares faced periods of adjustment, adapting to the intensity of the league and addressing his homesickness and defensive responsibilities. Notable moments include scoring his first goal for Arsenal against Manchester United on 23 April 2022. Tavares's journey also saw him on loan to clubs like Marseille, where he impressed with an attacking flair, and Nottingham Forest, where he added valuable experience despite limited appearances. In July 2024, he joined Lazio on a new loan spell, with the prospect of a permanent move. \n\n## National Team Career\n### Youth National Teams\nTavares began his international journey with the Portugal Under-21 team, earning his first cap on 10 September 2019 in a victory against Belarus. His contributions in youth competitions, including scoring during the European Championship qualifiers against Liechtenstein, showcased his potential on an international stage. \n\n### Senior National Team\nAfter making an impression with his performances at club level, Tavares earned his full international debut for Portugal on 15 November 2024, coming on as a substitute in a 5–1 win over Poland in the UEFA Nations League, signaling his arrival at the senior level.","playing_style_and_skills":"## Player Characteristics\nNuno Tavares is primarily deployed as a left-back and is celebrated for his attacking instincts on the field. His technical skills include strong dribbling, a penchant for joining offensive plays, and delivering precise assists from the back line. However, his early career also highlighted areas for growth, particularly in defensive positioning and concentration during high-pressure scenarios. His athletic build contributes to his quickness and stamina, complementing his style of play, which emphasizes both defensive coverage and offensive support. \n\n## Performance Statistics\nThroughout his tenure at Arsenal and during his loan spells, Tavares has amassed substantial playing experience. His statistics include crucial goals and assists, highlighting his dual role as both a defender and a contributor to attacking plays. Though exact match statistics are continuously updated, his initial goal for Arsenal against Manchester United and several impactful performances during his loan at Marseille are testaments to his abilities. \n\n## Records\nWhile still early in his career, Tavares's contributions have already been pivotal in several team successes, including domestic cup victories and international youth achievements.","notable_achievements":"## Achievements\n### Team Achievements\n- Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2019 with Benfica\n\n### Individual Achievements\nWhile specific individual accolades have yet to be listed, Tavares's growing influence in both domestic and international arenas demonstrates his potential for future recognitions. \n\n## Awards and Recognition\nNuno Tavares's involvement in documentaries such as the Amazon Original sports docuseries 'All or Nothing: Arsenal' underscores his recognition as a professional footballer, broadening his visibility and appeal beyond traditional football audiences.","impact_on_sport":"## Career Overview\nNuno Tavares's career, characterized by a swift rise through European football ranks, offers a narrative of potential and growth. With a foundation built in Lisbon's youth systems, his transition to top-tier leagues in Portugal, England, and Italy reflects his adaptability and ambition. Despite challenges, including adjustments to new leagues and systems, his perseverance continues to carve out a legacy as a player of considerable talent and future promise. \n\n## Off the Field\nTavares's participation in media projects like 'All or Nothing: Arsenal' speaks to his broader influence and highlights an interest in engaging with fans off the field. While specific commercial endeavors and charity work are not detailed, such involvement indicates an awareness of his role as both a sportsman and a public figure. \n\n## Personal Life\nInformation regarding Tavares's personal life, including family and private affairs, remains largely private, as is often the case with rising professional athletes focused on their sporting careers. His Cape Verdean heritage contributes to his cultural identity, enriching his perspective as a player navigating international terrains.","stb_internal_id":"019306dc-36d4-7b0e-bac7-aa0af90a320d","overrides":null,"type_code":"defender","position_type_code":"defender","detailed_position_type_code":null,"roles":"player","has_biography":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":null,"has_article_relations":false,"has_social_media_relations":false,"introduction_html":"

Nuno Albertino Varela Tavares is a formidable presence in the world of football, known for his dynamic play as a left-back. Representing both Serie A club Lazio and the Portugal national team, Tavares is currently on loan from Premier League club Arsenal. His journey from youth academies in Lisbon to the international stage showcases his significant impact and potential in professional football.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Early Years

Nuno Tavares was born on 26 January 2000 in Lisbon, Portugal, to parents of Cape Verdean descent. Growing up in the vibrant city of Lisbon, Tavares developed an early passion for football. His upbringing in a city known for its rich football culture and history no doubt fueled his interest in the sport. Throughout his childhood, Tavares balanced his education with his football aspirations, a commitment evident from his time at Casa Pia where his manager, João Silva, supported him both in his training and academics.

Youth Career

Nuno Tavares began his football journey with Sporting CP, one of Lisbon's prominent clubs, where he spent a formative three years. He further honed his skills with Casa Pia, a testament to his dedication and potential as a player. Eventually, he secured a position at Benfica's renowned youth academy, where his football prowess continued to flourish. It was at Benfica that Tavares transitioned into a professional pathway, setting the stage for his senior debut and further career advancements.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

Club Career

Nuno Tavares made his professional debut with Benfica's reserve team in the LigaPro on 27 October 2018, in a match that ended with a 3–2 victory over Covilhã. His first appearance for Benfica's main squad occurred on 4 August 2019, where he played a crucial role in a resounding 5–0 victory over Sporting in the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira. Subsequently, he made his Primeira Liga debut in a similar winning fashion, assisting two goals in a 5–0 triumph over Paços de Ferreira. However, his early career faced challenges; following a performance against Porto, Tavares temporarily returned to Benfica's B side but quickly restored his standing. Over his tenure with Benfica, he accumulated 41 competitive appearances. In July 2021, Tavares signed with Arsenal for a reported fee of £8 million. His journey in the Premier League commenced on 13 August with a match against Brentford. Despite initial promising performances, Tavares faced periods of adjustment, adapting to the intensity of the league and addressing his homesickness and defensive responsibilities. Notable moments include scoring his first goal for Arsenal against Manchester United on 23 April 2022. Tavares's journey also saw him on loan to clubs like Marseille, where he impressed with an attacking flair, and Nottingham Forest, where he added valuable experience despite limited appearances. In July 2024, he joined Lazio on a new loan spell, with the prospect of a permanent move.

National Team Career

Youth National Teams

Tavares began his international journey with the Portugal Under-21 team, earning his first cap on 10 September 2019 in a victory against Belarus. His contributions in youth competitions, including scoring during the European Championship qualifiers against Liechtenstein, showcased his potential on an international stage.

Senior National Team

After making an impression with his performances at club level, Tavares earned his full international debut for Portugal on 15 November 2024, coming on as a substitute in a 5–1 win over Poland in the UEFA Nations League, signaling his arrival at the senior level.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

Player Characteristics

Nuno Tavares is primarily deployed as a left-back and is celebrated for his attacking instincts on the field. His technical skills include strong dribbling, a penchant for joining offensive plays, and delivering precise assists from the back line. However, his early career also highlighted areas for growth, particularly in defensive positioning and concentration during high-pressure scenarios. His athletic build contributes to his quickness and stamina, complementing his style of play, which emphasizes both defensive coverage and offensive support.

Performance Statistics

Throughout his tenure at Arsenal and during his loan spells, Tavares has amassed substantial playing experience. His statistics include crucial goals and assists, highlighting his dual role as both a defender and a contributor to attacking plays. Though exact match statistics are continuously updated, his initial goal for Arsenal against Manchester United and several impactful performances during his loan at Marseille are testaments to his abilities.

Records

While still early in his career, Tavares's contributions have already been pivotal in several team successes, including domestic cup victories and international youth achievements.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

Achievements

Team Achievements

Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira: 2019 with Benfica

Individual Achievements

While specific individual accolades have yet to be listed, Tavares's growing influence in both domestic and international arenas demonstrates his potential for future recognitions.

Awards and Recognition

Nuno Tavares's involvement in documentaries such as the Amazon Original sports docuseries 'All or Nothing: Arsenal' underscores his recognition as a professional footballer, broadening his visibility and appeal beyond traditional football audiences.

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

Career Overview

Nuno Tavares's career, characterized by a swift rise through European football ranks, offers a narrative of potential and growth. With a foundation built in Lisbon's youth systems, his transition to top-tier leagues in Portugal, England, and Italy reflects his adaptability and ambition. Despite challenges, including adjustments to new leagues and systems, his perseverance continues to carve out a legacy as a player of considerable talent and future promise.

Off the Field

Tavares's participation in media projects like 'All or Nothing: Arsenal' speaks to his broader influence and highlights an interest in engaging with fans off the field. While specific commercial endeavors and charity work are not detailed, such involvement indicates an awareness of his role as both a sportsman and a public figure.

Personal Life

Information regarding Tavares's personal life, including family and private affairs, remains largely private, as is often the case with rising professional athletes focused on their sporting careers. His Cape Verdean heritage contributes to his cultural identity, enriching his perspective as a player navigating international terrains.

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Nuno Tavares: Profile