Nélson Semedo began his professional journey at Sintrense before signing a five-year contract with Benfica in 2012. Throughout a career spanning Portugal, Spain, England, and Turkey, the Lisbon-born defender established himself as a right-back, earning international recognition with the Portugal national team and securing multiple domestic league titles across European competitions.
Early Development and Benfica Career
After a season on loan at Fátima in the third division, Semedo joined the Benfica B-side in the Segunda Liga. He made his professional debut on 10 August 2013 against Trofense. By 2015, he secured a place in the first team, debuting in the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira. Despite a knee injury in late 2015 that required surgery, he returned to form during the 2016–17 season, contributing to Benfica's fourth consecutive league title and winning the Breakthrough Player of the Year award.
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Take the IQ test →Tenure at Barcelona
In July 2017, Semedo transferred to Barcelona on a five-year deal worth an initial €30.5 million. He debuted in the Supercopa de España against Real Madrid. During his three-year tenure, he won La Liga twice. He recorded his first competitive goal for the club against Girona in January 2019 and later scored against Alavés in the final match of the 2019–20 season.
Premier League and Fenerbahçe
Semedo joined Wolverhampton Wanderers in September 2020 for €30 million. Over five seasons, he made over 100 Premier League appearances. He was named club captain in December 2024. Upon the expiration of his contract in July 2025, he signed with the Turkish club Fenerbahçe. He debuted for his new side in the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds in August 2025.
International Representation
Semedo received his first senior call-up for Portugal in October 2015, debuting against Serbia. He has represented the nation at the UEFA European Championship in 2020 and 2024, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His international honors include winning the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup and the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
Fast facts
- Born: 16 November 1993, Lisbon
- Position: Right-back
- Benfica signing date: 12 January 2012
- Barcelona transfer fee: €30.5 million
- Wolverhampton Wanderers signing date: 23 September 2020
- Fenerbahçe signing date: 31 July 2025
- International debut: October 2015
- Named Wolves captain: 13 December 2024
Questions readers ask
Which major international tournaments has Semedo played in?
He has appeared in the UEFA European Championship in 2020 and 2024, and the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
When did Semedo join Fenerbahçe?
He signed a two-year contract with Fenerbahçe on 31 July 2025.
