Three rising stars in the Portugal squad taking on Ireland before the Euros

We look at three rising stars named in Roberto Martinez’s 26-man squad that may carry their nations hopes for future tournaments, particularly as this could potentially be Ronaldo’s last.

Tue, 11 Jun, 2024 - 08:08

Andrew Horgan

While England and France battle it out for the favourites tag to win Euro 2024, Portugal seem content to fly under the radar, just as they did when they won it back in 2016.

As ever, the Portuguese will turn to Cristiano Ronaldo for inspiration although in Manchester City's Bernardo Silva, Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes and Liverpool’s Diogo Jota, they have a number of stars that can help fire them to glory.

But here, we look at three rising stars named in Roberto Martinez’s 26-man squad that may carry their nations hopes for future tournaments, particularly as this could potentially be Ronaldo’s last.

1.Nuno Mendes – PSG

The left-back will turn 22 the day after Portugal’s opening game against the Czech Republic next Tuesday but despite his tender age, he has already racked up a number of trophies at club level.

Mendes was named in the Portuguese League’s team of the year during Sporting Lisbon’s 2020/21 title-winning season which earned him a move to PSG, initially on loan but it was eventually made permanent for €40million the following summer.

His last campaign was hampered by a hamstring injury, but he has recovered in time to make the Euros.

Ronaldo reunion in Portugal brings back memories of tough night for John O'Shea

2. Joao Neves – Benfica

The transfer window is about to open, and Joao Neves may well end up making the biggest move this summer.

Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City are just three clubs linked with 19-year-old, widely regarded as one of the hottest properties in European football.

Benfica are protected by a €120million release clause for the defensive midfielder, who made 55 appearances for the club across all competitions last season.

3. Francisco Conceicao – Porto

The 21-year-old appears to be rediscovering his best form after an unsettled period in his young career.

His stellar displays in Porto’s league and cup triumph in the 2021/22 season earned him a move to Ajax but after a disappointing year in the Eredivisie, he returned to his former club on a loan deal that has since been made permanent.

The talented winger, who is the son of ex-Portugal international Sergio, won his first senior cap against Slovenia back in March in a campaign in which he again helped Porto win the Taça de Portugal.