João Neves, the 22-year-old midfielder for Paris Saint-Germain and Portugal, opened up in an interview with Canal+ that aired this week. He spoke about his personality, his aspirations for the future, his aerial ability, and his limited playing time at the start of the season.
Neves: “It’s a truly special club.”
You come across as a modest and authentic person—are you aware of this positive image you have?
I think it’s true. Since arriving at PSG, I’ve noticed how the supporters—everyone, really—greet me. At the training center, I get along with everyone, and everyone here loves the club. It’s a truly special club.
Neves: “I hope that, in the future, I can set this kind of example for my own children and the people around me.”
Did you have a strict upbringing?
My mother was a teacher at my school, so I couldn’t get away with any mischief—she’d be the first to find out! (smiles). My father is a police officer, so if I ever did anything wrong out on the street, I was in big trouble! (smiles). But I’m lucky to have had that. I hope that, in the future, I can set this kind of example for my own children and the people around me.
Reserved off the pitch, but a warrior on it—which one is the “real” João?
I think the one on the pitch is the real me.
Where does that grinta—that fighting spirit—come from?
I’m not sure—maybe it’s in my DNA, something I inherited from my mother. This is who I am at 22, and I hope to remain this way throughout my entire career.
Neves: “Staying here for my entire career.”
Following your contract extension, do you see yourself staying at PSG for the long haul? Do you feel happy here?
I don’t have a goal of moving to Spain or England. My goal is simply to be happy in my life. Here, all I do is win. I wouldn’t say João wants to leave someday; he wants to stay here for his entire career.
Has the player changed since joining PSG?
Before coming here, I was an important part of the team—not necessarily for scoring goals or providing assists. I don’t care who scores; what matters is the win at the end. Luis Enrique shares that same mentality. He wants me to get 10 goals and 10 assists. He’s never fully satisfied with us—he always wants more, more, more.
Neves: “I’m more precise with my head than with my feet.”
What’s the secret behind your heading ability?
I always say it comes from the beach back in Portugal. I used to play foot-volley with my father. That’s where I developed the knack for playing with my head. I think I’m actually more precise with my head than with my feet.
Are there big egos in the PSG dressing room?
There are always egos, but I don’t see any “bad” ones. Everyone runs for one another—if you don’t, you don’t play. It’s better to just run and keep your head down.
Neves: “When I’m not playing, you have to respect the players who are on the pitch.”
How did you handle having a bit less playing time at the start of the season?
I might feel a little sad, but it’s not the end of the world. I keep that to myself. I take a moment to reflect, and I realize that whenever I’m playing, someone else has to be on the bench. You have to respect that—everyone has to respect that. When I’m not playing, I have to show respect for the players who are out on the pitch.
How do I manage to go incognito in Paris?
To be completely honest, I like staying at home. My wife tells me to go out and enjoy myself—there are places I quite like—but I don’t do things that would get me noticed. I just keep a low profile.
