16 Renato Sanches
Renato Sanches, 1997-08-18, Midfielder for Portugal, plays for Benfica. 40 international caps, 3 goals. Part of Portugal's 2026 World Cup Group K squad.
Biography
Euro 2016 Young Player of the Tournament and Portuguese champion. Currently plying his trade at Benfica, an industrious midfielder, Renato Sanches excels at dictating tempo and linking defense to attack, acting as the creative engine for Portugal. Has earned 40 international caps, scoring 3 goals. Set to compete with Portugal at the 2026 World Cup, building on the team's 8 previous tournament appearances.
Career Timeline
In 2022, he was transferred to Ligue 1 rivals Paris Saint-Germain for €10 million.
In his second season at the club, he helped the team win the 2020–21 Ligue 1, which ended the club's 10-year league title drought.
After remaining as a substitute, following his return to Bayern in 2018, he was signed by French Ligue 1 side Lille in August 2019 for a reported fee of €25 million, becoming Lille's most expensive signing ever.
His performances fell during his first season with the club, leading him to be loaned to Premier League side Swansea City in August 2017.
He made his full international debut in March 2016 and was chosen for UEFA Euro 2016 at age 18, making him the youngest Portuguese to play in an international tournament as well as the youngest player to win a UEFA Euro final.
Sanches began his career at Benfica, making his professional debut for the reserves in October 2014 and for the first team in October 2015.