{"id":244054,"first_name":"Rúben Diogo","last_name":"da Silva Neves","short_name":"Rúben Neves","common_name":"Rúben Neves","place_of_birth":"Santa Maria da Feira","gender":"male","height":180,"weight":80,"status":"active","createdAt":"2024-11-06T09:11:21.531Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T14:07:13.240Z","locale":"en","age":27,"stb_id":"ruben-neves","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"Rúben Neves","top_position":null,"introduction":"Rúben Diogo da Silva Neves, born on March 13, 1997, is a distinguished Portuguese professional footballer known for his role as a defensive midfielder. He currently plays for Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League and is a vital part of the Portugal national team. Neves began his senior career with Porto, soon earning a notable transfer to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2017. His exceptional gameplay, characterized by strategic positioning and long-range shots, has made him a prominent figure in international football, as evidenced by his appearances in major tournaments including UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.","early_life_and_career":"\n## Early Years\nRúben Neves was born in Mozelos, within Portugal's Aveiro District, and grew up as a fervent supporter of Porto. From a young age, Neves showed an acute interest in football, which was likely nurtured by his family and local environment. While specific details about his parents' influence or educational background are not elaborated on in the source, his early years set a solid foundation for his football pursuits.\n\n## Youth Career\nNeves joined the youth system at Porto at the tender age of eight, showcasing significant promise early on. His development continued with a loan spell at Padroense, functioning as Porto's under-16 team. During his youth career, he earned admirable reviews for his mental resilience and technical abilities, as noted by reserve team manager Luís Castro. Neves was accelerated through the ranks, bypassing Porto's under-19s to integrate into the reserve team, demonstrating his impressive progress and skill.","professional_career_and_highlights":"\n## Club Career\n\n### Porto\nRúben Neves made a historic debut for Porto's first team on August 15, 2014, at just 17 years and five months old, scoring a goal in his first Primeira Liga match, which ended in a 2–0 victory against Marítimo. By achieving this, he etched his name as the youngest player in Porto's history to score in the competition. Within days, he also participated in the UEFA Champions League, becoming the youngest Portuguese player to appear in the tournament, breaking a record previously held by Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite facing an injury in December 2014, Neves's time at Porto was marked by his composure and extraordinary young leadership, at one point becoming the youngest captain in the Champions League history.\n\n### Wolverhampton Wanderers\nIn July 2017, Neves's career took a transformative turn as he signed with Wolverhampton Wanderers for a then-club-record fee of £15.8 million. Reuniting with former manager Nuno Espírito Santo, he adapted quickly to the English game, scoring his first goal against Hull City. During Wolves' stellar EFL Championship-winning 2017-18 season, Neves's performances were instrumental, earning multiple accolades, including Player of the Season and Goal of the Year for his stunning effort against Derby County. Over six seasons, he made 253 appearances for Wolves, scoring 30 goals, most notably securing their promotion to the Premier League.\n\n### Al Hilal\nIn June 2023, Neves transferred to Al-Hilal, marking a record sale for Wolves at a transfer fee of £47 million, illustrating his growing market value and demand.\n\n## National Team Career\n\n### Youth National Teams\nNeves represented Portugal in the 2014 UEFA European Under-17 Championship, leading the team to the semi-finals as captain and earning a spot in the tournament's Team of the Tournament. His rise continued as he debuted for the under-21 team at 17 and broke records during the 2015 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, where he helped Portugal reach the final.\n\n### Senior National Team\nNeves was first called up to Portugal's senior team in November 2015, debuting in a friendly against Russia. He has since become a regular squad member, participating in major competitions such as UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Notably, he was part of the squad that secured the 2018–19 UEFA Nations League title, contributing in the semi-finals against Switzerland.","playing_style_and_skills":"\n## Player Characteristics\nRúben Neves is recognized in the football world for his astute defensive midfield capabilities, blending maturity with forward-moving play. His gameplay is described by UEFA as characterized by an adept passing range, keen vision, and astute tactical positioning. Known for drawing comparisons to João Moutinho, Neves exhibits a fine first touch, a high pressing ability, and precision in distribution. His long-range shooting and tactical intelligence make him a dual threat in both defensive setups and attacking transitions.\n\n## Performance Statistics\nDetailed statistical information such as match appearances, goals, and assists, while playing for his clubs and the national team, reflects his impact on the field of play. Information on his club and international appearances is available but not comprehensively detailed in the source.\n\n## Records\nAt the club and international stages, Neves has set various records, including becoming the youngest player to captain a team in the Champions League and Porto's youngest player to score in the Primeira Liga.","notable_achievements":"\n## Achievements\n\n### Team Achievements\n- **Wolverhampton Wanderers**: EFL Championship (2017–18)\n- **Al-Hilal**: Saudi Pro League (2023-24), King's Cup (2023–24), Saudi Super Cup (2023, 2024)\n- **Portugal U21**: UEFA European Under-21 Championship runner-up (2015)\n- **Portugal**: UEFA Nations League (2018–19)\n\n### Individual Achievements\n- UEFA European Under-17 Championship Team of the Tournament (2014)\n- Confederação do Desporto de Portugal Young Prospect of the Year (2015)\n- EFL Championship Team of the Season (2017–18)","impact_on_sport":"\n## Career Overview\nRúben Neves has made a considerable impact on football, both at the club and international levels. His leadership and performances, particularly during his tenure with Wolverhampton Wanderers, reflect his significant contribution to the game's competitive nature, enhancing the profile of his teams through both promotion campaigns and substantial league success.\n\n## Personal Life\nWhile detailed aspects of Neves's personal life, such as family and off-field activities, are not specified in the source, his public image remains positive within the footballing community and reflects a dedicated professional with a commitment to his sport.\n\n## Off the Field\nNeves maintains a limited public profile concerning commercial activities, charity work, and broader social impacts, as not extensively covered in the provided source.","stb_internal_id":"019300be-23a6-78d0-ae03-d7e7a62a87a3","overrides":null,"type_code":"midfielder","position_type_code":"midfielder","detailed_position_type_code":"defensive-midfied","roles":"player","has_biography":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":null,"has_article_relations":false,"has_social_media_relations":false,"introduction_html":"

Rúben Diogo da Silva Neves, born on March 13, 1997, is a distinguished Portuguese professional footballer known for his role as a defensive midfielder. He currently plays for Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League and is a vital part of the Portugal national team. Neves began his senior career with Porto, soon earning a notable transfer to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2017. His exceptional gameplay, characterized by strategic positioning and long-range shots, has made him a prominent figure in international football, as evidenced by his appearances in major tournaments including UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Early Years

Rúben Neves was born in Mozelos, within Portugal's Aveiro District, and grew up as a fervent supporter of Porto. From a young age, Neves showed an acute interest in football, which was likely nurtured by his family and local environment. While specific details about his parents' influence or educational background are not elaborated on in the source, his early years set a solid foundation for his football pursuits.

Youth Career

Neves joined the youth system at Porto at the tender age of eight, showcasing significant promise early on. His development continued with a loan spell at Padroense, functioning as Porto's under-16 team. During his youth career, he earned admirable reviews for his mental resilience and technical abilities, as noted by reserve team manager Luís Castro. Neves was accelerated through the ranks, bypassing Porto's under-19s to integrate into the reserve team, demonstrating his impressive progress and skill.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

Club Career

Porto

Rúben Neves made a historic debut for Porto's first team on August 15, 2014, at just 17 years and five months old, scoring a goal in his first Primeira Liga match, which ended in a 2–0 victory against Marítimo. By achieving this, he etched his name as the youngest player in Porto's history to score in the competition. Within days, he also participated in the UEFA Champions League, becoming the youngest Portuguese player to appear in the tournament, breaking a record previously held by Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite facing an injury in December 2014, Neves's time at Porto was marked by his composure and extraordinary young leadership, at one point becoming the youngest captain in the Champions League history.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

In July 2017, Neves's career took a transformative turn as he signed with Wolverhampton Wanderers for a then-club-record fee of £15.8 million. Reuniting with former manager Nuno Espírito Santo, he adapted quickly to the English game, scoring his first goal against Hull City. During Wolves' stellar EFL Championship-winning 2017-18 season, Neves's performances were instrumental, earning multiple accolades, including Player of the Season and Goal of the Year for his stunning effort against Derby County. Over six seasons, he made 253 appearances for Wolves, scoring 30 goals, most notably securing their promotion to the Premier League.

Al Hilal

In June 2023, Neves transferred to Al-Hilal, marking a record sale for Wolves at a transfer fee of £47 million, illustrating his growing market value and demand.

National Team Career

Youth National Teams

Neves represented Portugal in the 2014 UEFA European Under-17 Championship, leading the team to the semi-finals as captain and earning a spot in the tournament's Team of the Tournament. His rise continued as he debuted for the under-21 team at 17 and broke records during the 2015 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, where he helped Portugal reach the final.

Senior National Team

Neves was first called up to Portugal's senior team in November 2015, debuting in a friendly against Russia. He has since become a regular squad member, participating in major competitions such as UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Notably, he was part of the squad that secured the 2018–19 UEFA Nations League title, contributing in the semi-finals against Switzerland.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

Player Characteristics

Rúben Neves is recognized in the football world for his astute defensive midfield capabilities, blending maturity with forward-moving play. His gameplay is described by UEFA as characterized by an adept passing range, keen vision, and astute tactical positioning. Known for drawing comparisons to João Moutinho, Neves exhibits a fine first touch, a high pressing ability, and precision in distribution. His long-range shooting and tactical intelligence make him a dual threat in both defensive setups and attacking transitions.

Performance Statistics

Detailed statistical information such as match appearances, goals, and assists, while playing for his clubs and the national team, reflects his impact on the field of play. Information on his club and international appearances is available but not comprehensively detailed in the source.

Records

At the club and international stages, Neves has set various records, including becoming the youngest player to captain a team in the Champions League and Porto's youngest player to score in the Primeira Liga.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

Achievements

Team Achievements

Wolverhampton Wanderers: EFL Championship (2017–18)
Al-Hilal: Saudi Pro League (2023-24), King's Cup (2023–24), Saudi Super Cup (2023, 2024)
Portugal U21: UEFA European Under-21 Championship runner-up (2015)
Portugal: UEFA Nations League (2018–19)

Individual Achievements

UEFA European Under-17 Championship Team of the Tournament (2014)
Confederação do Desporto de Portugal Young Prospect of the Year (2015)
EFL Championship Team of the Season (2017–18)

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

Career Overview

Rúben Neves has made a considerable impact on football, both at the club and international levels. His leadership and performances, particularly during his tenure with Wolverhampton Wanderers, reflect his significant contribution to the game's competitive nature, enhancing the profile of his teams through both promotion campaigns and substantial league success.

Personal Life

While detailed aspects of Neves's personal life, such as family and off-field activities, are not specified in the source, his public image remains positive within the footballing community and reflects a dedicated professional with a commitment to his sport.

Off the Field

Neves maintains a limited public profile concerning commercial activities, charity work, and broader social impacts, as not extensively covered in the provided source.

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Rúben Neves: Profile