Joao Neves would 'welcome' emulating Ousmane Dembele by winning Ballon d'Or but says success with Paris Saint-Germain and Portugal more important
By Lewis Mason
Published 11/11/2025 at 11:32 GMT
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Joao Neves made the top 20 of the 2025 Ballon d'Or rankings, which saw his Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Ousmane Dembele come out on top to lift the trophy. The Portugal midfielder has worked his way back from a hamstring injury to re-establish himself as a key part of the French champions' title defence, while he hopes to inspire his country to qualification for the FIFA World Cup.
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Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Joao Neves says he would "welcome" winning the Ballon d’Or during his career, but insists it is not a primary focus for him.
The Portugal international finished 19th in the standings this year for football’s biggest individual trophy, which was won by Neves’ PSG team-mate Ousmane Dembele.
Dembele was a dominant winner ahead of Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, while fellow PSG player Vitinha finished third.
Asked about his desire to replicate the success of Dembele, Neves said: "The Ballon d'Or will always be welcome if it's awarded to me, but it's not a goal.
"Of course, in my career and in my view of football, we think about collective trophies, whether with the national team or clubs."
Neves will be hoping to play a big role for both club and country in the next year, with PSG aiming to defend their UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1 and Coupe de France trophies, while Portugal look to book their place at next summer’s FIFA World Cup.
The 21-year-old recently returned to action after a hamstring injury left him sidelined for much of October.
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He has quickly reasserted himself in PSG’s midfield, though, and scored a dramatic late winner to take them top of the league with a 3-2 victory against Lyon.
Deep into stoppage time, Neves rose highest to head to snatch all three points.
Speaking after the match, he said: "Because I'm small, they forgot about me. For me, heading the ball is a strong point.
"It was difficult, a very complicated game for us. I think we still have things to improve, but we won and that's the most important thing.
"It was an important game, high-paced, with tough duels. We were prepared, we did almost everything well, but there are things to improve."
His manager, Luis Enrique, was full of praise for his match-winner Neves, who he knows can be one of the best players in the world.
"He has high ambitions. Every player on our team is important, especially if they can score," Enrique said.
As well as showing his class in France and on the European stage in the UEFA Champions League, Neves hopes he is able to help his country to glory in the United States, Canada and Mexico next year.
Portugal will qualify for the FIFA World Cup if they beat the Republic of Ireland on Thursday, November 13.
They will also secure their ticket to the finals if they draw in Dublin and Hungary fail to beat Armenia.
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Speaking about getting the job done as soon as possible, Neves said: "Yes, obviously, we always aim for victory in the next game. If we can do it against Ireland, all the better.
"We know that both teams we are facing are quality teams. Teams that will test us, but yes, we always seek victory, and if we can achieve it in the next qualifying match, that would be very good."
After facing the Republic of Ireland, Portugal will play their final World Cup qualifier against Armenia in Porto.They are unbeaten at the top of Group F on 10 points.
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