José Neto’s life has undergone a radical turnaround in recent months. The young left-back became European under-17 champion with Portugal in June, won the World Cup and made his debut for Benfica’s first team in November, under José Mourinho. In anticipation of the duel with Real Madrid, the player from Aljustrel gave an interview to AS about its meteoric rise.
Asked about his nervousness before such an important game, Neto seemed calm. “Not nervous. I’m prepared, because it’s a very good experience for me too. I want to make the most of all the experiences I have with the club,” he said.
The young red talent describes himself as a player who always gives his best. «I’m a full-back who always likes to give his best. Always. If the team is well, I will be well too. I’m a full-back who likes to be in offensive spaces, not just stay behind. I’m a player who has good technique, with good crossings, good reading of the game. I believe that these are the characteristics that define me a little», he explained.
The recent victory in the under-17 World Cup in Doha was a remarkable moment. «It was a very special tournament for Portugal and for all of us because we had the opportunity to represent our country», he recalled, highlighting the intensity of the competition. «It was a competition that ended up demanding a lot, both physically and psychologically, from all the players. We all rose to the occasion,” he added, highlighting that the achievement was the culmination of a special year, as the same team had won the European Championship.
Regarding the most memorable moments of the tournament, José Neto did not hesitate: «The penalties against Brazil were very special for all of us. The victory against Belgium was also a key moment, a turning point, because we were coming off a defeat against Japan in the last group game».
The pressure of making history at just 17 years old was seen positively. “The pressure is something we knew was there, but we believed it was positive pressure for us. Football is our life, what we love to do most, and that pressure became positive”, he commented, noting that the previous experience of the European Championship helped the team to deal with the context.
Trained at Seixal, José Neto sees the great names that came out of Benfica’s academy, such as Rúben Dias, João Neves, Bernardo Silva and Gonçalo Ramos, as a source of inspiration. “Undoubtedly! They are references for everyone at the club. They are players who have always given everything for the club, they tried their best to represent the club in the best way”, he highlighted.
The left-back also spoke about his teammates, Anísio Cabral, also from Benfica, and Mateus Mide, from FC Porto, who stood out in the World Cup. “They are great players. They were very fundamental players in winning the World Cup. But I believe that everyone has their own path, they have to make their own story”, he said, praising his club colleague: “Anísio, I believe he is a great player, with huge potential. I believe in him».
Regarding the opponent, Real Madrid, Neto showed respect, but confidence. «Real Madrid has great players. We are prepared», he concluded.
The young Benfica player expresses his pride in being coached by José Mourinho, whom he considers a reference, and shares his ambitions for the future at the Luz club, with Nuno Mendes as one of his idols in the left-back position.
José Mourinho’s arrival at Benfica was a «good positive surprise» for the athlete, who admits he did not expect to have the Portuguese coach as a mentor. «When I finished the World Cup, my thought was to help Benfica as much as possible, regardless of the team. My main purpose is to help Benfica. Always”, he stated, before sharing his admiration for the new coach.
«Now I have the opportunity to have Mister Mourinho as a coach. It’s a source of pride, because he’s a coach I was used to seeing on television, not so close to me. Mourinho has his story. Being trained by him is something incredible», he confessed.
The player also revealed that daily interaction with the coach is a constant source of learning. «It makes me learn something new every day. Seeing it for the first time, well, I won’t say it was a shock, but it was a nice positive surprise. It’s great for me to be with him every day,” he added.
The first conversation with Mourinho was described as an “incredible experience”. The coach, according to the player, seeks to get closer to the athletes who live at the Benfica Campus. «I had a conversation with him one day. He spoke to me for a long time. I usually have dinner at Benfica Campus and he also usually talks to the people who live there. Try to get to know us and support us. The truth is that it was a very positive conversation», he recalled.
With a focus on daily evolution, the athlete highlights the importance of teamwork and mutual help with colleagues like João Veloso and João Rego, who share the same growth mentality. «I always try to do my best in training, evolve with each passing day, because I come across colleagues who think the same: growing and learning on a daily basis», he explained.
Asked about his references, the player did not hesitate to name Nuno Mendes as a role model in his position. «Currently, I really like Nuno Mendes. He is a player who is a reference in our position and for all left-backs, because he is a very complete player”, he said, also mentioning Álvaro Carreras as a reference during his time at the club.
When it comes to the future, the objective is clear: win titles with the red jersey. «I would like to be much better at football level. My focus is to learn new things every day. I would like to do well at Benfica, the club I currently represent, and win many titles with them. Benfica is a club that I love, that transformed my life”, he projected, thinking about the horizon until the 2030 World Cup.
Regarding the next challenge in the Champions League, against Real Madrid, the player remains focused on preparing his team. «Everyone knows that Real Madrid has great players, but my focus is Benfica. Our team is preparing very well”, he guaranteed, showing himself prepared for any decision made by the coach. “I don’t know if I’ll play this game or not, but if I do, I’ll make the most of the opportunity. If not, I also understand, because they are steps. Benfica is giving me this opportunity and I’m already very grateful for that».
