Ronaldo, Leao and the top 10 best Portuguese players in 2024

Portuguese football has produced an impressive array of talent over the years, and these players have shone across Europe’s biggest leagues as well as in football’s most prestigious competitions.

From seasoned veterans like Cristiano Ronaldo to up and coming stars like Joao Neves, these players continue to impress for both their clubs and the national team.

In this piece, Soccernet.football takes a look at the 10 best Portuguese players in 2024, highlighting thier various contributions for club and country.

10. Joao Neves (Paris Saint-Germain)

At just 19, Neves has established himself as one of Portugal’s brightest young talents. Playing as a central midfielder for Paris Saint-Germain, Neves has demonstrated exceptional composure, passing accuracy, and vision. For Portugal, Neves has become a reliable presence in the midfield despite his young age.

9. Diogo Dalot (Manchester United)

Dalot has become a crucial part of Manchester United’s backline thanks to his defensive solidity and attacking contributions. His overlapping runs and crosses translated to a number of assists, including the one that led to Alejandro Garnacho’s Puskas winning bicycle-kick. With Portugal, Dalot established himself as a consistent performer, offering balance and versatility to the squad.

8. Joao Palhinha (Bayern Munich)

Since his move to Bayern Munich, Palhinha has been a defensive rock in the midfield. His ability to break up opposition play and transition into attack has made him indispensable for the Bavarians. Palhinha was instrumental for Portugal at the European Championships with his work rate and physicality proving crucial in maintaining control in the middle of the park.

7. Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)

Vitinha has been a midfield maestro for PSG, combining flair, creativity, and defensive discipline. Last seaaon, he contributed significantly to PSG’s domestic success, scoring crucial goals and dictating the tempo in big matches. His performances for Portugal have also been outstanding, as he continues to grow into a key playmaker for the national team.

6. Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain)

The 22-year-old is widely known to be one of the most exciting left-backs in world football. His pace, dribbling and crossing ability have made him a nightmare for opposing defenders. Mendes was a vital part of PSG’s title-winning team and made significant contributions in the UEFA Champions League. For Portugal, he provides a constant attacking threat from the left flank while maintaining defensive solidity.

5. Ruben Dias (Manchester City)

The Manchester City defender is currently out on the sidelines with a calf injury but this takes nothing away from his stellar displays in defense all through the year. Dias’s ability to read the game and organize the defense has been instrumental for both City and Portugal, where he has established himself as a cornerstone in defense.

4. Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

Manchester United skipper Fernandes is the creative heartbeat of the Red Devils. The 30-year-old midfielder has consistently stood out since arriving at Old Trafford in 2020. His leadership qualities and knack for stepping up in crucial moments proved invaluable in 2024. For Portugal, Fernandes has been a consistent performer, often providing the spark needed in tight games.

3. Bernardo Silva (Manchester City)

Silva’s versatility and technical brilliance makes him one of Manchester City’s most important players. Last season, former Monaco star played a key role in City’s Premier League triumph, delivering clutch performances in critical matches. His dribbling, vision, and work rate also make him a vital asset for Portugal, where he seamlessly links midfield and attack.

2. Rafael Leao (AC Milan)

Leao has established himself as the main man at AC Milan. In the 2023/2024 campaign, he was one of Milan’s top scorers and most creative outlet, helping the Rossoneri secure a Champions League spot. Leao’s electric pace, dribbling, and finishing ability make him a nightmare for defenders. For Portugal, he has become a key figure in attack, delivering goals and assists on the international stage.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr)

Even at 39, Ronaldo remains a force to be reckoned with in the world of football. Playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo has continued to break records, finishing as the league’s top scorer in 2024. On the international stage, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward remains Portugal’s talisman, leading by example and inspiring the next generation of Portuguese footballers.