At just 22 years old, Nuno Mendes has already made a name for himself as one of the best young left-backs in world football. With blistering pace, excellent dribbling, and a relentless work rate, the Portuguese star has become a Trang Chủ Kubet key figure for both Paris Saint-Germain and the Portugal national team. His rise has been fast, and his ceiling remains sky-high.
Early Beginnings at Sporting CP
Born on June 19, 2002, in Sintra, Portugal, Nuno Mendes joined the Sporting CP academy at the age of 10. Initially playing further up the pitch, he was gradually molded into a modern full-back—one who could defend with discipline but also act as an extra attacker.
His breakthrough came during the 2020–21 season, where he played a crucial role in Sporting’s Primeira Liga title win—the club’s first in 19 years. At just 18, he was already starting regularly in one of Europe’s top leagues and drawing interest from elite clubs across the continent.
PSG Move and Immediate Impact
In August 2021, Mendes joined Paris Saint-Germain on loan with an option to buy. His impact was immediate. He brought energy and attacking intent to the left flank, offering width, overlapping runs, and accurate crosses into the box. PSG triggered the buy option the following summer, securing his services permanently.
Since joining PSG, Mendes has consistently been one of the most dynamic full-backs in Ligue 1, despite facing injury setbacks that limited his appearances at times. When fit, he’s a game-changer—whether defending against top wingers or bursting forward to deliver a key pass.
Career Stats (As of July 2025)
- Total Club Appearances (Sporting + PSG): 118
- Goals: 3
- Assists: 17
While his numbers may not seem massive, it’s important to understand Mendes’s role. He’s not just an assist provider—he’s a progressor. He carries the ball from defense into attack, breaks lines, and pulls defenders out of shape, creating space for his teammates.
Style of Play
Nuno Mendes fits the mold of a modern attacking full-back. He’s fast—exceptionally fast—and can recover defensively even after committing high up the pitch. His dribbling is sharp and aggressive, often beating his marker in 1v1s. He combines speed with intelligence, rarely making reckless decisions in dangerous areas.
Defensively, he’s strong in duels and rarely caught out of position. His stamina allows him to maintain high intensity for the full 90 minutes, constantly overlapping and tracking back.
Technically gifted and tactically aware, Mendes has matured quickly under pressure at a club filled with superstars. Whether combining with attackers like Mbappé or defending against Champions League-caliber wingers, he rarely looks out of place.
International Career with Portugal
Mendes made his senior debut for Portugal in 2021 and was included in both the UEFA Euro 2020 (held in 2021) and 2022 FIFA World Cup squads. While injury limited his involvement in Qatar, he has remained a key part of the national team setup.
With Raphaël Guerreiro aging and other left-back options inconsistent, Mendes is seen as Portugal’s undisputed first choice going into the 2026 World Cup. His chemistry with players like João Félix, Bernardo Silva, and Bruno Fernandes adds a valuable dimension to Portugal’s attack.
Looking Ahead
Despite his young age, Mendes has already won multiple domestic trophies with PSG and is gaining vital experience in the Champions League. His contract with PSG runs until 2026, and the club sees him as a long-term pillar in their defense.
Bigger responsibilities and expectations now rest on his shoulders, but if his development continues at this pace, he could become one of the best full-backs of his generation.
Conclusion
Nuno Mendes is the perfect mix of youth, energy, and quality. Whether he’s flying down the wing in Paris or locking down the flank for Portugal, his influence is undeniable. Fast, fearless, and technically sharp—Mendes is not just the future of left-backs. He’s the now.
