Nuno Mendes

Nuno Mendes is a Portuguese left-back whose game combines forceful running with close attention to an opposing winger. He can carry the ball forward himself or arrive outside a teammate, giving his side another route into the penalty area.

Born on 19 June 2002 in Sintra, he began playing at Despertar in Casal de Cambra before joining Sporting CP’s academy at ten. His early senior breakthrough brought silverware: he helped Sporting win the Portuguese league and League Cup in 2021, before leaving for France.

He joined Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2021 and won a French league title in 2022. Individual recognition followed in 2023, when he received the UNFP award for Ligue 1’s best young player. These were early steps towards success on the European stage.

In 2025, Mendes won the Champions League with PSG and, eight days later, the Nations League with Portugal. He scored his first senior international goal in the final against Spain and converted his penalty in the shootout. UEFA named him Player of the Finals.

He added another Champions League title in May 2026, starting against Arsenal in Budapest as PSG retained the trophy. The final finished 1–1 before Paris won the shootout 4–3, although his own penalty was saved. At the 2026 World Cup he scored from a direct free-kick in Portugal’s 5–0 group-stage win over Uzbekistan and played in the 1–0 defeat by Spain in the round of 16 that ended their tournament.

The 2025 Nations League final offers a clear example of his style. UEFA’s technical analysis highlighted his willingness to face Lamine Yamal one against one and the timing of his runs forward. He also beat Yamal with the ball before delivering the cross for Cristiano Ronaldo’s equaliser. That combination makes him a threat through both running beyond a teammate and taking on an opponent himself.

Latest stats & form

Nuno Mendes currently plays for Paris Saint Germain as a left-back. He has represented Portugal internationally.

Statistics cover recorded official matches.