Nuno Mendes: How Portugal’s left-back became a maestro in 2025

2025 has been a crucial year for many players, while many have dropped, others like Nuno Mendes have been crowned as the world’s best left-back, a title earned through a season of breathtaking performances that have redefined the position. At just 23, the Portuguese sensation has transformed from a promising talent into a global icon, dazzling fans with his explosive pace, technical brilliance, and unshakable mentality. Playing for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Portugal, Mendes has left an indelible mark on both club and country, gaining media headlines and silencing critics with every tackle, pass and crossing. This piece is set to explore how he ascended to the summit, spotlighting his journey, statistical dominance, and the profound impact he’s had in 2025.

Mendes rise to stardom

Nuno Mendes’ story began in the modest streets of Sintra, Portugal, where his footballing dreams took root at age nine with Sporting CP’s youth academy. Initially an attacking midfielder, his transition to left-back under Ruben Amorim’s guidance at Sporting proved transformative. His senior debut in June 2020 against Pacos de Ferreira marked the beginning of his sudden rise, culminating in a 2020/21 Primeira Liga title and a spot in the Team of the Year. His €38 million move to PSG in 2022, initially on loan, was a gamble that paid off as he adapted to the club’s demands, winning multiple domestic titles and earning a contract extension through 2029.

The 2024/25 season, however, has been his breakout year. After overcoming a hamstring injury that sidelined him for much of 2023, Mendes returned with a vengeance in February 2024. His resilience together with Luis Enrique’s tactics, unleashed a player who combines defensive solidity with attacking flair, a duality that has made him a standout in a PSG side that completed a domestic treble and won the Champions League.

Mendes statistics and records

Mendes’ 2024/25 campaign proves his elite status. At PSG, he has played 38 matches across all competitions, scoring 5 goals and providing 8 assists, with a standout performance in the Champions League quarterfinals against Aston Villa, where he scored twice and assisted once in both legs. His defensive stats are equally impressive: 3.2 tackles and 2.1 interceptions per 90 minutes, alongside a 90% duel success rate, showcase his ability to neutralize top wingers like Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka. His 87% pass accuracy and 4.5 successful dribbles per 90 underline his role in PSG’s build-up play, a modern full-back who thrives in both boxes.

For Portugal, Mendes has been rock solid in their UEFA Nations League triumph on June 8, 2025, scoring in the final against Spain and contributing 5 assists during the campaign. His 100% tackle success rate in the final, paired with 4 dribbles completed and 3 clearances, silenced Spain’s attacking threats, earning him man-of-the-match honors in a 2-2 draw decided by a 5-3 penalty shootout win. These numbers, bolstered by his leadership in high-stakes games, have fueled the narrative that he’s the best in his position, which many football enthusiasts across the globe have come to believe.

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Mendes impact at club

At PSG, Mendes has evolved into the heartbeat of Luis Enrique’s system. His return from injury in February 2024 sparked a defensive renaissance, with PSG conceding just 0.8 goals per game in Ligue 1 when he started. His overlapping runs and pinpoint crosses have unlocked PSG’s attack, notably setting up crucial goals in the Champions League. The 7-0 aggregate demolition of Brest in the knockout phase, where he scored, highlighted his growing influence.

His contract extension in February 2025, making him one of PSG’s top earners, reflects his value to a team transitioning after the departure of star players like Kylian Mbappe and Neymar Jr. Mendes’ ability to adapt, shifting between a traditional left-back and a wing-back in a three-man defense has given Enrique tactical flexibility, a key factor in their treble success. Yet, his journey hasn’t been flawless; early struggles under Mauricio Pochettino and injury setbacks tested his resolve, but his 2024/25 resurgence has silenced doubters, positioning him as PSG’s future cornerstone.

Mendes impact on country

On the international stage, Mendes has been instrumental in Portugal’s 2025 Nations League victory, their second title. His semifinal performance against Germany, where he dominated the flank, set the tone for a final where he outshone Spain’s young stars. His goal in the final, a thunderous strike in the 26th minute ignited Portugal’s comeback, while his defensive work neutralized Lamine Yamal, a feat celebrated by fans as a masterclass. With 19 caps and counting, Mendes has become Cristiano Ronaldo’s left-sided partner, their chemistry evident in overlapping runs that threatened defenses.

His maturity at 23, earning praise from Roberto Martinez shows his impact. The Nations League win, coupled with his role in Euro 2024, has elevated Portugal’s left flank to one of the world’s best, with Mendes’ versatility and work rate complementing Ronaldo’s brilliance.

Conclusion

Nuno Mendes’ 2025 ascent to the world’s best left-back is a story of talent, tenacity, and transformation. From Sporting’s academy to PSG’s treble and Portugal’s Nations League glory, his impact has been profound, blending defense with attacking skills. As he leads PSG into a post-Mbappe era and Portugal toward future triumphs, Mendes embodies the modern full-back: dynamic, dependable, and destined for greatness. In 2025, he hasn’t just arrived; he’s redefined the position, ensuring his name will be remembered for greatness in years to come.