The Importance of Experience and Jota's "Extra Strength": Everything Rúben Neves Said

Al Hilal midfielder Rúben Neves was the first spokesperson for the Portuguese National Team as they began their training camp for the 2026 World Cup this Monday. As one of the most experienced players called up, the former FC Porto star discussed the team's strength and the crucial role veterans play in developing World Cup debutants. The 29-year-old stated he feels "in the best physical shape of his career" and didn't forget his friend Diogo Jota, whose presence will provide "extra strength" during challenging moments.

— We all know you had a special relationship with Diogo Jota. Do you feel he will be that source of strength when energy wanes, and that for him, the players will pursue a dream we all wish to see fulfilled?

— I'm certain of it. We've talked a lot about it, and we always say the same thing: sometimes we need to cling to something to find extra strength in the toughest moments, which are inevitable in these competitions. That will be one of the aspects that can give us that strength and help us reach where we want to go.

— Does the talent of this national team put extra pressure on you, especially as this is likely Cristiano Ronaldo's last World Cup?

— All players in the National Team are more than accustomed to that kind of pressure. Every player plays for big clubs. Recently, we had four players win the Champions League for the second time. We are a young but very experienced group, and we know our qualities. It's a positive pressure; we don't see it negatively, but rather as an even greater responsibility, because we know we have the quality and can achieve great things for Portugal.

— Rúben, you played many minutes this season, including at center-back. Does that versatility make you more valuable? How do you view the arrival of this new partner in a deeper midfield role, Samu Costa?

— Samu has been with us before; he's an asset to the national team, like all the players here, each giving their best. Regarding the first question, it's a great advantage for any player to be able to play in two or more positions. I played many minutes as a center-back, also due to some injuries we had at the club. It wouldn't be the first time I'd play that position here for the national team, so I feel comfortable. Obviously, I'm a midfielder, but I'm prepared to help the national team in whatever is needed.

— Do you have any individual goals for this World Cup? 

— No. The title is the main goal for all players in these competitions. It's difficult to choose a personal goal because we are all very focused on what we can win as a group, as a country. I certainly won't be the top scorer, so the objective is truly to win the competition. That's what we're focused on.

— You scored one of the most important goals in the national team's history, the penalty [against Spain, which gave Portugal the Nations League in 2025]. It will be one year on the 8th. Do you still dream about that moment? Would you like to replicate it in this World Cup?

— Of course. After that game, I said it was one of the most important goals of my career, if not the most important. So, if it happens again in this World Cup, I hope it's in the same way, for the team to advance to the next phase or even win the competition. It would be a dream, but I would definitely prefer to win in 90 minutes and not have to go to penalties.

— Looking at your journey with this national team and the last World Cup, where you played every game, Portugal now has 10 international players making their World Cup finals debut. Between experience and talent, is this the best national team ever?

— The "best team ever" is very relative. Portugal won the Euros in 2016, so it's very difficult to say we are the best team ever. We won a Nations League, but we still have a bit to go to reach that level. Regarding the first question, it's very important to have that kind of experience in the group. I remember my first World Cup. It was the competition where I felt most anxious and nervous to participate. The more experienced players in our group helped immensely, and that's what we're going to do now with these 10 debutants: try to calm them down as much as possible so they can enjoy this unique experience.

— Are you convinced that you will only leave the United States after July 19th? Is this training camp important for players to start adapting to the new rules that will be implemented in this World Cup?

— Yes, absolutely. We will start preparing for this World Cup in the best possible way from today, and, of course, our conviction is to only return after July 19th. That's what we're here for. As I said, we must have high expectations, but also some responsibility. We know it's extremely difficult; these are competitions where many factors are at play. But our goal, being the national team we are, is undoubtedly to reach the final and win. Our conviction is to work in the best way to be able to return only after the 19th and with the trophy in hand. We will prepare for the World Cup matches already taking into account these new rules that will be in effect from this World Cup. I think they can be very beneficial, especially the time-related rules: the time a player has to leave the field, for example, or the time a player has to receive treatment. It will be important for those teams that like to waste a bit of time. We will start working on these aspects right away.

— Al Hilal won the King's Cup and fought for the league title until the end. I ask you if, on a personal level, it was a successful season, which will also certainly help you arrive at this World Cup in the best mental and physical condition, despite the accumulated minutes?

— Of course. I always consider seasons to be positive. In the end, we have to focus on the positive things we did and improve the negative aspects. Therefore, every season is a learning experience and serves to gain experience. This season was no different. Collectively, we won a title, we fought until the end for the championship, and individually, I feel very good. I played many minutes, as I said, and physically I feel perhaps in one of the best phases of my career. So, I arrive at this World Cup very confident.

— This was Rúben's highest-scoring season of his career: he scored 12 goals, plus one with the national team. Will you bring this goal-scoring prowess to the World Cup?

— It's always good when we can help the team with goals, with assists, and be influential. This season went very well for me in that aspect, and it's something that, if I can bring to the national team, will be beneficial for me and for everyone. I hope to continue that goal-scoring streak here at the World Cup as well.

— What differences do you notice in build-up play when you play as a center-back versus as a midfielder?

— The main difference is that, as a center-back, I can always see the game in front of me. I have a much broader view of the entire field. When I play as a midfielder, I sometimes play with my back to goal and have to be able to see what's happening before receiving the ball. That's the advantage of great midfielders: they can think before the ball arrives. So, as I said, I feel comfortable in both situations. I've had coaches who almost always asked me to drop back into a back three, even when playing as a midfielder, and it also depends a lot on the team's collective movement. When I drop back to build with three, usually the full-backs push forward, and the team has a different dynamic. When I play in front of the center-backs, it's perhaps to create more space for one of the defenders to have more room with the ball, when teams press the defensive midfielder individually. So, I feel comfortable in both situations and will do my best in whatever is asked of me.