“I came here to write my name in Paris Saint‑Germain history… it started this year, and I hope to continue the good times for the club — with more league wins, more titles.”
— Nuno Mendes, in his first interview after PSG executed their permanent signing in summer 2022
Bio/Wiki | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nuno Alexandre Tavares Mendes |
| Nickname(s) | Kandimba |
| Profession | Footballer |
Physical Stats & More | |
| Height (approx.) | 180 cm (5’11”) |
| Weight (approx.) | 70 kg (154 lb) |
| Eye Colour | Brown |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| EA SPORTS FC | 25 player ratings |
Football | |
| Professional Debut | June 12, 2020 for Sporting CP (age 17 years, 11 months, 25 days) |
| International Debut | March 24, 2021 for Portugal against Azerbaijan (age 18 years, 8 months, and ~11 days) |
| International Career | ➤ Portugal U16: 2018 (3 caps, 0 goal) ➤ Portugal U17: 2018 (3 caps, 0 goal) ➤ Portugal U18: 2019 (3 caps, 0 goal) ➤ Portugal U19: 2019 (5 caps, 0 goal) ➤ Portugal U21: 2020 (4 caps, 0 goal) ➤ Portugal Senior Team: 2021 (37 caps, 1 goal) |
| Clubs | • Paris Saint-Germain (2022 – Present) • Paris Saint-Germain (loan) – (2021 – 2022) • Sporting CP – (2020 – 2022) |
| Position | Defender – Left-Back |
| Jersey Number | — #25 (for the Ligue one club PSG) — #19 (for the Portugual national team)  — #35 (for Sporting CP during the 2020-22 seasons)  |
| Current Team | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Transfers and Loans | — 2011: Joined Sporting CP Youth Academy — June 2021: Sporting CP to Paris Saint-Germain (initial loan with option to buy) — May 2022: PSG made the move permanent from Sporting CP (€38m) |
| Coach/Mentor | Rúben Amorim, Luis Enrique |
| Notable Records | ➤ Youngest Sporting starter since Cristiano Ronaldo ➤ Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year (2022–23) ➤ First teenager to register an assist for PSG in a Champions League game since Kylian Mbappé (2021) ➤ Youngest Portuguese left-back to feature in a major international tournament (UEFA Euro 2020) ➤ First Portuguese defender born after 2000 to start a Champions League knockout game ➤ Key defensive and attacking stats in Champions League (2024‑25) |
| Awards, Honours, Achievements | • Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year – 2022–23 season • Primeira Liga Champion – 2020–21 season (with Sporting CP) • Ligue 1 Champion – 2021–22, 2022–23, 2023–24 seasons (with PSG) • Trophée des Champions Winner – 2022, 2023 • UEFA Champions League Winner – 2024–25 season (with PSG) • UEFA Nations League Winner – 2022–23 season (with Portugal) • UEFA Nations League Player of the Tournament – 2024–25 • Included in Ligue 1 Team of the Year – 2022–23, 2023–24 |
Personal Life | |
| Date of Birth | 19 June 2002 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 23 years |
| Zodiac sign | Gemini |
| Nationality | Portuguese |
| Hometown | Sintra, Portugal |
| College/University | Did not attend |
| Religion | Catholic |
| Ethnicity | Angolan descent |
| Hobbies | Traveling, Playing football |
| Controversies | • Racist Abuse Following Brest Match (September 2024) After PSG’s 3–1 Ligue 1 win over Brest, Nuno Mendes was subjected to racist and abusive messages on social media. Mendes publicly shared one of the offensive messages, prompting Paris Saint-Germain to issue a strong statement condemning the abuse and offering full support. The club also confirmed cooperation with authorities to hold perpetrators accountable.[1] • Harsh Press Criticism in Champions League Semi-Final (May 2025) Despite PSG’s progression to the Champions League final, Mendes faced sharp criticism from French media following a poor performance in the semi-final second leg against Arsenal. Comments highlighted low technical accuracy and defensive lapses, marking one of his most scrutinised matches. [2] |
| Social Media | |
Relationship & More | |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Girlfriend | Thalyta Silva – (Brazilian model) Dating period: 2025 – present  |
Family | |
| Parents | Father – Name not publicly disclosed (deceased 2020) – Of Angolan heritage like his wife. Sadly passed away due to illness just before Nuno’s breakthrough at Sporting CP Mother – Cesaltina Mendes (Portuguese of Angolan descent, who worked as a cleaner at Sporting CP’s home stadium)  |
Favorites | |
| Footballer(s) | Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Marcelo, David Alaba, Ousmane Dembele |
| Foot | Left |
Financial Status | |
| Salary (weekly) | €192,308 gross per week at Paris Saint-Germain |
| Salary (approx.) | €10 million per annum at PSG |
| Net Worth | €12 million (as of 2025) |
| Market Value | €70 million according to transfermarkt |
What You Never Knew About Nuno Mendes
▪ At age 9, Mendes was invited to play for a local club, Despertar, by his school PE teacher Bruno Botelho — not a professional scout. That teacher recognized his potential and helped launch his football journey. him become more than just a goal poacher.
▪ When he was 10, Mendes thought a Sporting CP scout was following him home. He fled into his house and grabbed a knife out of fear — until he learned the man was actually there to offer him a contract.
▪ As a child, he spent up to four years commuting with his teacher for night-time training sessions — making two-hour round trips on most odd days before joining Sporting’s academy.
▪ Originally an attacking midfielder and even wore the number 10 at youth level, Mendes was converted into a left-back at Sporting — a transition that he initially struggled with but eventually mastered.
Before you leave, have you read the full story of Chelsea’s rising star João Pedro or Sporting CP’s goal-poacher who might be joining Arsenal soon, Viktor Gyökeres? Their journeys are just as incredible as Nuno Mendes’. Tap below to explore their full biographies.
About the Author
Samuel Ibiok is a passionate football journalist and digital publisher with a sharp eye for storytelling. From detailed player biographies to breaking transfer news and hilarious football memes, I bring each post to life with energy and authenticity. My work blends accuracy with creativity, all driven by a deep love for the beautiful game. Read full bio »
