Joao Neves omitted from Joao Felix's strongest XI

Joao Felix has left Paris Saint-Germain midfielders Joao Neves and Vitinha out of his best current XI, choosing Pedri and Enzo Fernandez in the centre instead. The decision is notable because Neves and Vitinha are both Portugal internationals and are widely considered among the leading players in their positions.

Neves, 22, plays as a central midfielder for PSG after moving from Benfica in the 2024-25 season for €65.92 million. His listed market value at the French club is €140 million. Vitinha was also overlooked as Felix assembled his preferred team, despite the pair belonging to the same national setup as the Al-Nassr forward.

Felix’s selection included Joan Garcia in goal and a defence of Portugal’s Nuno Mendes, Ruben Dias and Joao Cancelo alongside Spain’s Pau Cubarsi. In attack, he named Kylian Mbappe on the left, Rayan Cherki in the No. 10 role, Lamine Yamal on the right and Harry Kane as the striker. Cristiano Ronaldo, Felix’s Al-Nassr teammate, was not included.

The omission came while Felix and Portugal were together for the Nations League. Felix started alongside Ronaldo in the team’s attack against Wales on Thursday and scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory. Neves and Vitinha therefore remain absent from Felix’s personal selection even as both continue to feature prominently in Portugal’s midfield options.