João Neves losing ground at PSG and for Portugal amid dip in form

An undisputed starter for months in the French capital, João Neves is currently enduring his most challenging period since moving to the Parc des Princes. According to French daily L'Équipe, the Portugal international has seen his status questioned and has "provisionally fallen down the pecking order" at PSG following a noticeable dip in form in recent months.

Recent statistics and tactical decisions by the PSG boss underline the Benfica academy graduate's dwindling prominence.

In the pivotal UEFA Champions League clash against Manchester City (a 4-2 victory), João Neves played just 15 minutes. The French publication also notes that the Portuguese midfielder has scored "just one goal in a PSG shirt throughout the entirety of 2026."

Build-up metrics have also brought the Portuguese under scrutiny: Neves ranks only 12th in the PSG squad for line-breaking passes, falling significantly behind Vitinha as well as fellow midfielders Fabián Ruiz and Warren Zaïre-Emery.

L'Équipe notes that this reduced role is mirrored on the international stage, where the midfielder has been "overtaken by Vitinha, whose profile aligns more closely with the demands of national team coach Jorge Jesus."

Despite his reduced playing time, PSG are not hitting the panic button. Club officials consider this downturn "strictly temporary," attributing the management of the Portuguese international's minutes to the need to rest him and manage "physical warning signs" to avoid serious injuries during a gruelling season.