Goal efficiency
How clinical and direct the player was in front of goal — volume, accuracy, and conversion.
Campeonato de Portugal Prio - Group H · Midfielder · #21 · Portugal · 34 yrs
Rúben Neves is a midfielder. Rúben Neves is a Portuguese international, 34 years old, midfielder. Rúben Neves wears shirt number 21. Rúben Neves was born in São João da Madeira, Portugal on 1991-05-12. Rúben Neves is 179 cm cm tall and weighs 70 kg kg. Rúben Neves's Sportra profile tracks season statistics across Campeonato de Portugal Prio - Group H, Campeonato de Portugal Prio - Promotion Round, Liga 3, Campeonato de Portugal Prio - Group D, and other leagues. Rúben Neves's page brings together career clubs, trophies, injury history, multi-competition stats, and related news headlines. On Sportra you can explore Rúben Neves season statistics, transfer history, trophies, injury updates, and related news across every competition tracked in the profile.
Midfielder · #21
| Season | Team |
|---|---|
| 2024 |  Sanjoanense |
| 2023 |  Montalegre |
| 2022 | Montalegre |
| 2021 | Montalegre |
| 2020 | Montalegre |
| Date | Type | From | To |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-07-01 | Free | Montalegre | Sanjoanense |
| 2018-07-01 | N/A |  Cinfães CIN |  Felgueiras 1932 |
| 2018-01-01 |  Freamunde FRE | Cinfães CIN |
Season intelligence
Profile as Midfielder: high usage. Archetype: Box-to-box engine.
Scaled 0–99 from season output — map to fantasy, comparisons, or scouting cards.
Per-90 rates, efficiency ratios, and Sportra indices from season totals.
How clinical and direct the player was in front of goal — volume, accuracy, and conversion.
Playmaking output: assists, key passes, and custom chance-creation signals.
Minutes, availability, and how central they were to the team.
Every tracked category for this league and season, grouped by Sportra.
While Lionel Messi remains among the world's highest earners, the newest rankings reveal that the Portuguese icon has stretched his advantage, highlighting the growing financial influence of Saudi Arabian soccer. Cristiano Ronaldo continues to dominate the financial landscape, with the latest global salary figures placing him comfortably ahead of the sport’s biggest stars. While Lionel Messi remains among the world’s highest earners, the newest rankings reveal that the Portuguese icon has stretched his advantage, highlighting the growing financial influence of Saudi Arabian soccer. The latest data also underlines how dramatically the sport’s salary landscape has evolved in recent years. Players representing the Saudi Pro League now occupy several places among the world’s best-paid players, while stars from Europe’s biggest leagues continue to feature prominently. According to salary figures compiled by Capology, via Planet Football, Cristiano Ronaldo earns an estimated £3.42 million per week in base salary at Al-Nassr, keeping him at the top of world soccer’s wage rankings. The report states: “Cristiano Ronaldo still ranks as the highest-paid player in the Saudi Pro League and world football, earning a whopping £3.4 million per week with Al-Nassr.” Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr celebrates with the Saudi Pro League Trophy. Those figures are based solely on base wages and do not include bonuses, image rights, signing fees or commercial endorsements, meaning Ronaldo’s overall annual earnings are significantly higher. Messi returns to the rankings The latest list also marks Lionel Messi’s return to the global weekly salary rankings following his move to Inter Miami. Messi is ranked 13th with an estimated weekly base salary of £360,876, leaving a remarkable financial distance between the longtime rivals. While both remain among soccer’s biggest global icons, the latest figures illustrate how Ronaldo’s Saudi contract has transformed the earnings race. The comparison also reflects the different career paths taken by the two superstars during the latter stages of their playing careers, with Ronaldo moving to Saudi Arabia while Messi chose Major League Soccer. Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF lifts the Champion’s trophy after winning the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Final Saudi Arabia dominates the highest earners One of the biggest takeaways from the rankings is the growing financial strength of the Saudi Pro League. Six Saudi Pro League players appear among the world’s 15 highest-paid players, confirming the league’s ability to attract elite talent through record-breaking contracts. Karim Benzema sits second after Ronaldo with an estimated £2.01 million per week, while Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Ivan Toney and Ruben Neves also feature on the list. Their presence reflects Saudi Arabia’s continued investment in world-class soccer with clubs competing for domestic and continental success. Cristiano Ronaldo (L) of Al Nassr and Karim Benzema (R) of Al Hilal. Top 15 highest-paid players by weekly base salary Cristiano Ronaldo — £3,421,039Karim Benzema — £2,010,107Sadio Mané — £656,629Kalidou Koulibaly — £569,626Erling Haaland — £525,000Kylian Mbappé — £512,992Sergej Milinković-Savić — £418,765Ivan Toney — £418,765Vinícius Júnior — £410,393Harry Kane — £410,393Jamal Musiala — £374,771Darwin Núñez — £368,533Lionel Messi — £360,876Virgil van Dijk — £350,000Rúben Neves — £343,417
Cristiano Ronaldo was surprisingly substituted while Portugal were still level with Croatia, and coach Roberto Martinez explained the reasoning behind the change. Cristiano Ronaldo was key to Portugal’s impressive comeback to beat Croatia 2-1, scoring his team’s opening goal from the penalty spot and rewriting World Cup history with two record-breaking feats along the way. However, with the match still level, coach Roberto Martinez surprisingly decided to substitute the Portuguese captain with ten minutes plus stoppage time still to play. Asked directly about the substitution during his press conference, and whether it signals a growing role for Goncalo Ramos, Martinez explained the tactical reasoning behind the decision in detail. “Goncalo Ramos is a player who always adds something when he comes on, like Bernardo Silva and Conceicao. It is important to start well and finish even better. We took a big risk by playing with two strikers, but then we needed an extra midfielder, so we took off Cristiano,” the Spanish coach explained. Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal high fives Ruben Neves #21 as he is substituted. (Getty Images) The Portuguese captain left the pitch in the 81st minute to make way for Ruben Neves, bringing on a holding midfielder to help provide extra defensive cover as Croatia were reaching Diogo Costa’s box more frequently. A substitution that paid off Martinez’s explanation points to a broader tactical shift rather than any dip in Ronaldo’s performance, who had just scored the equalizing penalty moments before being withdrawn. With Croatia controlling large spells of possession, the Portugal manager opted to reinforce his midfield rather than stick with two out-and-out strikers, a call that was vindicated when Ramos rose to head home the stoppage-time winner off a Rafael Leao cross. The move also raises questions about how Martinez manages his front line heading into the decisive Round of 16 clash against Spain on July 6 at Dallas Stadium. It’s highly likely that Ronaldo will continue as a starter, but the question is whether Ramos would come in as a second striker, or whether the Spanish coach decides to stick with a single center-forward and two wide players like Rafael Leao and Pedro Neto instead.
Ramos scored a late goal for Portugal to beat Croatia 2-1. Some matches had all the ingredients to become unforgettable at the 2026 World Cup, and the match between Portugal and Croatia was one of them, as two of Europe’s strongest national teams battled for a place in the next round, with a thrilling end in which 20 minutes of extra time were played in the second half. Portugal advanced to the Round of 16 after beating Croatia 2-1 with a late goal from Gonçalo Ramos. In the first half, Portugal were the dominant side, taking risks and creating chances mainly down the left. Neither team was precise before halftime, leaving the score level at 0-0. A much more epic second half followed, one that did not leave a minute to breathe, with even three disallowed goals for marginal calls. Ivan Perišić was the first to score before Portugal equalized through a penalty by Cristiano Ronaldo in a play where VAR intervened to award it. With Ronaldo already replaced by Ruben Neves, Ramos connected with a great header after a Leão cross in the 93rd minute to put Portugal ahead. The match was extended further due to added time for celebrations. In a moment that should remain in the books, Joško Gvardiol scored in the 112th before the referee was informed there was an offside due to a barely visible touch from a teammate before Mario Pasalic touched the ball, ending the match.
Coming off their triumph as 2025 UEFA Nations League champions, Portugal arrive at the 2026 World Cup as clear favourites. They face DR Congo today in their opening Group K match. However, head coach Roberto Martínez will be without Rúben Dias. Portugal arrive at the 2026 World Cup as one of the strongest national teams in the world, after their triumph at the 2025 UEFA Nations League. As such, they enter the tournament as top contenders. In their opening match, they face DR Congo in the first game of Group K. Despite their status as favorites, they will be without Rúben Dias in central defense, a significant setback that weakens their back line considerably. Rúben Dias will not be available for Portugal’s debut against DR Congo, as he is still dealing with physical discomfort following the friendly against Nigeria. “Rúben is not at 100 per cent; there is no point in taking risks. He is recovering and will be available later,” head coach Roberto Martínez reported in the press conference. With this in mind, he could return to the starting lineup in the next match against Uzbekistan. Instead of Rúben, Roberto Martínez could opt for Tomás Araújo as the ideal partner for Gonçalo Inácio. Both players are highly promising, and Portugal may not face major issues in covering for Dias as both have huge footing skills. In addition, Renato Veiga and Rúben Neves could also play a role from bench if needed. In the absence of leadership in defense, the presence of João Cancelo will be key in helping organize the team. As a top contender, Portugal may not face major defensive issues against DR Congo, as their opponents are not typically strong in attack. For this reason, João Neves and Vitinha will once again be key to controlling the tempo of the game, helping to prevent counterattacks from their rivals. In addition, the dribbling ability of Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceição could be crucial in breaking through the opposition defensive line. Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates Pedro Neto’s goal for Portugal vs Nigeria Portugal’s defense key to unlocking offense vs DR Congo Since his arrival, Portugal‘s Roberto Martínez has implemented a fairly attacking style based on high pressing and collective play. Against DR Congo in their 2026 World Cup opener, they could struggle to break down their opponent’s defensive structure. For this reason, the defensive line could be key in enabling their attacking play and securing a victory to take control of Group K. By applying a high press, they would aim to pin DR Congo back in their own half. In this context, the defensive line becomes a key factor, as they would take on an important role in ball progression and build-up play. In addition, they would be responsible for breaking up the opposition’s progression and delivering line-breaking passes to allow Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates to see more of the ball. Unlike other national teams, Portugal make their defenders a central axis in the construction of play. Pushing into advanced areas and distributing possession, they are able to find gaps in the opposition’s defensive structure. Moreover, they become key partners for João Neves and Vitinha, enabling a solid collective structure that consistently looks for through balls or passes into space, allowing Cristiano Ronaldo to finish first time.
The Saudi Pro League has unveiled another honor for Cristiano Ronaldo following his performances with Al Nassr. Al Nassr achieved their long-awaited goal of winning the Saudi Pro League title this season. It was also Cristiano Ronaldo‘s first trophy since joining the club in January 2023, earning him several individual accolades along the way. The latest was announced Thursday through the league’s official social media accounts. “After 34 match-weeks played, the 2025/26 Saudi Pro League Fantasy team of the season is here,” the post on X reads alongside an image featuring the 11 selected players. Cristiano Ronaldo was, unsurprisingly, included as one of the forwards in the lineup, alongside Al Ahli’s Ivan Toney and Al-Taawoun’s Roger Martinez. The Team of the Season also features one of CR7’s teammates during Al Nassr‘s title-winning campaign: Joao Felix. The other players recognized by the Saudi Pro League were Al-Ettifaq goalkeeper Marek Rodak, Al Qadsiah’s Mohammed Abu Al Shamat and Julian Quinones, Al Ittihad’s Danilo Pereira, Al Hilal’s Theo Hernandez and Ruben Neves, and Al-Shabab’s Yannick Carrasco. After 34 match-weeks played, the 2025/26 @SPLfantasy team of the season is here 👑 pic.twitter.com/S3xE0AZJbr— Roshn Saudi League (@SPL_EN) June 4, 2026 What is Saudi Pro League Fantasy? Saudi Pro League Fantasy is a virtual manager game that allows fans to build their ideal team from the league and compete against other users on a weekly basis. Each participant receives an initial budget to select players, with certain restrictions, including a maximum of three players from the same club. Based on the performances of those selected players in each match, users earn points. The combined total from the 11 selected players determines the winner of each Matchday and, ultimately, the overall season champion. Cristiano Ronaldo was one of the highest-scoring players of the season in Saudi Pro League Fantasy with 296 points, earning him a place in the Team of the Season. The top performer was Julian Quinones with 356 points, followed by Ivan Toney with 319 and Joao Felix with 311. Other honors received by Ronaldo this season The Saudi Pro League Fantasy Team of the Season selection adds to a lengthy list of honors Cristiano Ronaldo received during Al Nassr’s title-winning 2025-26 campaign. The Portuguese forward was also named among the five finalists for the Player of the Season award, which was voted on by team captains, coaches, media representatives and fans. However, Joao Felix claimed the top honor. Ronaldo, meanwhile, was voted Fans’ Player of the Season.
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, supporters of both stars have turned their attention toward a different battle: whether the Saudi Pro League or Major League Soccer will have the stronger presence on soccer’s biggest stage. The debate surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi has once again spilled beyond individual greatness and into the leagues they currently represent. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, supporters of both stars have turned their attention toward a different battle: whether the Saudi Pro League or Major League Soccer will have the stronger presence on soccer’s biggest stage. Recent social media discussions attempted to paint a dramatic gap between the two competitions, with claims suggesting one league has nearly double the representation of the other at the tournament. However, the reality behind those numbers is far more complicated than many fans initially believed. According to multiple reports, both leagues are sending a significant number of players to the World Cup across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The discussion quickly gained traction online because it was framed as another chapter in the Ronaldo-versus-Messi rivalry, despite the context behind the figures telling a much deeper story. MLS benefits from the host nation effect Much of the attention focused on claims that MLS would have around 50 players involved in the World Cup, while the Saudi Pro League would contribute roughly half that amount. While those figures were partially accurate in some early estimates, analysts pointed out that the numbers alone fail to explain the full picture. The biggest factor behind MLS’ strong representation is the automatic qualification of the United States, Canada, and Mexico as tournament hosts. Those three national teams naturally rely heavily on domestic-based talent, giving MLS a substantial numerical advantage. Tim Ream, player of United States, poses with his jersey during the United States World Cup roster reveal The United States squad alone features eight active MLS players representing eight separate clubs. On top of that, many other members of the squad either came through MLS academies or previously played in the league before moving abroad. Canada also includes several MLS-based players, while Mexico continues to feature talent connected to the North American competition. As a result, the league’s total World Cup presence grew rapidly ahead of the expanded 48-team tournament. As per MLS-related reports, more than 50 players connected to the league could participate in the tournament, marking a record number for the competition. Saudi Pro League’s influence extends across continents While MLS may have the advantage in raw numbers, the Saudi Pro League has built a very different kind of World Cup footprint. Rather than relying on host nations, the Saudi competition is represented through a mixture of domestic Saudi talent and internationally recognized stars. The Saudi Arabia national team alone is almost entirely made up of Saudi Pro League players, with around 28 members of the preliminary squad coming from domestic clubs. That instantly boosts the league’s influence at the tournament. Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates with Joao Felix after scoring Beyond the local core, several major international stars based in Saudi Arabia are expected to play crucial roles for their countries. Cristiano Ronaldo will captain Portugal once again, while teammates Joao Felix and Ruben Neves are also part of the Portuguese setup. Senegal will depend heavily on Sadio Mane, Edouard Mendy, and Kalidou Koulibaly, all of whom currently compete in the Saudi Pro League. Brazil midfielder Fabinho, Mexico forward Julian Quinones, Turkey defender Merih Demiral, and Ivory Coast captain Franck Kessie further strengthen the league’s global representation. 📋 La Liste des 28 Lions retenus par le sélectionneur national Pape Thiaw pour représenter le Sénégal à la Coupe du Monde 2026. #FIFAWC2026 #ListeGaideyi
After months of twists, late drama, and pressure-filled nights, Al-Nassr enters the final matchday sitting top of the table with 83 points, while Al-Hilal remains right behind on 81, ahead of its simultaneous clash against Al-Fayha. Cristiano Ronaldo will walk onto the pitch at Al-Awwal Park knowing the entire Saudi Pro League season hangs in the balance. After months of twists, late drama, and pressure-filled nights, Al-Nassr enters the final matchday sitting top of the table with 83 points, while Al-Hilal remains right behind on 81, ahead of its simultaneous clash against Al-Fayha. The title race has become one of the most dramatic finishes in recent Saudi Pro League history. Al-Nassr controls its destiny, but the margin for error has disappeared completely after recent dropped points and the painful late equalizer conceded against Al-Hilal in the Riyadh derby. The 2025-26 campaign has tested Al-Nassr emotionally from start to finish. Jorge Jesus’ side looked ready to celebrate the title last week before Bento’s stoppage-time own goal denied the club victory in a tense derby draw against Al-Hilal. Just days later, the disappointment deepened with a 1-0 defeat to Gamba Osaka in the AFC Champions League Two final, increasing the pressure surrounding the final league fixture. That result left Ronaldo and his teammates with one last opportunity to turn the season into a success. Despite the recent setbacks, the numbers still favor Al-Nassr. The club has recorded 27 wins, two draws, and only four defeats, scoring 87 goals while conceding just 27 across 33 league matches. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Roshn Saudi League (@spl_en) Meanwhile, Al-Hilal has continued to apply pressure without losing ground. The defending challenger has collected 81 points and remained unbeaten through 33 games, setting up a dramatic finish with both title contenders playing at the same time on Matchday 34. What happens if Al-Nassr wins against Damac? This is the simplest scenario in the title race. If Al-Nassr defeats Damac, the club officially becomes the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League champion regardless of Al-Hilal’s result against Al-Fayha. A victory would move Al-Nassr to 86 points, putting the trophy beyond the reach of every rival. Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr. It would also secure Cristiano Ronaldo’s first Saudi Pro League title since arriving in the Middle East. The atmosphere inside Al-Awwal Park is expected to be electric if the team gets the job done. Al-Nassr has already gone unbeaten in its last nine home league matches, winning eight of those games. What happens if Al-Nassr draws against Damac? A draw would open the door for chaos across Riyadh. If Al-Nassr finishes level against Damac and Al-Hilal defeats Al-Fayha, both clubs would end the season tied on 84 points. Under Saudi Pro League regulations, the first tiebreaker is head-to-head record rather than goal difference. Because Al-Hilal holds the advantage in the derby meetings across the season, Al-Hilal would overtake Al-Nassr and win the title. However, if Karim Benzema’s side also drops points by drawing or losing against Al-Fayha, Al-Nassr would remain champion. Ruben Neves looks on following the Saudi Pro League match between Al Nassr and Al Hilal. That possibility means fans will likely spend the evening following events in both stadiums simultaneously. The tension surrounding this scenario explains why the late equalizer against Al-Hilal last week felt so devastating for Jorge Jesus’ side. What happens if Al-Nassr loses against Damac? A defeat would create the most dangerous situation for Ronaldo and his teammates. If Al-Nassr loses and Al-Hilal beats Al-Fayha, the title slips away immediately. In that case, Al-Hilal would finish on 84 points while Al-Nassr would stay on 83. Jorge Jesus, Head Coach of Al Nassr, looks on after defeat in the AFC Champions League 2 Final between Al Nassr and Gamba Osaka Months of dominance at the top of the table would disappear on the
Al Hilal defeated Neom and extended the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League title race until Tuesday, when Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr could still clinch the championship. Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr had a historic opportunity this Saturday to win two titles in a single day. In addition to playing the AFC Champions League Two final against Gamba Osaka, they also had the chance to secure the Saudi Pro League crown — something that ultimately did not happen because of Al Hilal’s victory over Neom. Al Nassr’s international run forced them to play their Matchday 33 fixture early, a couple of weeks ago against Al Shabab. That victory gave them a five-point lead over their closest challengers, Al Hilal. As a result, Karim Benzema’s team entered Saturday needing a win to take the title race into the final round of the season. And they delivered. Simone Inzaghi’s side earned a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Ruben Neves from the penalty spot and Sultan Mandash. With the win, Al Hilal cut the gap at the top of the Saudi Pro League standings to two points, keeping their title hopes alive heading into Tuesday. Al Nassr remain atop the Saudi Pro League standings with 83 points, meaning they still control their own destiny in the title race. However, any slip-up next week could allow Al Hilal to snatch the trophy away from them. Saudi Pro League standings (Google) What’s next for Al Nassr and Al Hilal? The 2025-26 Saudi Pro League will conclude next Thursday with Matchday 34, the final round of the season. Final standings will determine relegation, qualification for continental competitions, and, of course, the league title. League leaders Al Nassr will face Damac in a match with major implications at both ends of the table. While Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates will be chasing the win needed to secure the trophy, their opponents will be fighting to avoid relegation. Right now, they sit just two points above the drop zone, currently occupied by Al Riyadh. Al Hilal, meanwhile, appear to face a tougher challenge on paper. Instead of meeting a team near the bottom of the standings, they will take on a side that has enjoyed a more stable season. Al Fayha currently sit 11th in the table, although having nothing left to play for in the final matchday could affect their intensity. Possible scenarios for the Saudi Pro League title race All Matchday 34 games in the Saudi Pro League will kick off simultaneously on Tuesday to prevent teams from gaining an advantage by knowing other results beforehand and adjusting their strategy accordingly. For Al Hilal, the mission is clear. Sitting two points behind leaders Al Nassr, their only chance of overtaking them is by defeating Al Fayha. If Karim Benzema and his teammates fail to win their own match, they will have no chance of lifting the trophy. Al Nassr, meanwhile, have a wider range of possibilities in front of them. A victory would secure the Saudi Pro League title regardless of any other result. But if they fail to win, they will need to keep a close eye on what happens elsewhere. If Al Nassr draw or lose against Damac and Al Hilal fail to win, Cristiano Ronaldo would still lift the trophy. If Al Nassr lose and Al Hilal win, Benzema would claim the league title instead. However, if Al Nassr draw and Al Hilal win, both teams would finish level on points. In that case, the tiebreaker would come down to head-to-head results during the season, where Al Hilal hold the advantage after winning one meeting and drawing the other.
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