Renato Sanches began his professional path in 2014 with the Benfica B-team, eventually becoming the most expensive Portuguese player to depart the Primeira Liga in 2016. At the age of 18, he achieved recognition as the youngest player to feature in an international tournament final for his home country, signaling a rapid ascent in global football.
Early Development in Lisbon
Born in 1997 in the Hospital Amadora-Sintra, Sanches spent his childhood in the Musgueira neighbourhood of Lisbon. His formal football training commenced at the Águias da Musgueira youth setup at age eight. In 2006, he transitioned to the Benfica academy system. The club secured his signing for 750 euros and 25 footballs. He navigated his progression through the club ranks, eventually moving to the professional level with the reserve team during the 2014-15 campaign.
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Sanches earned a promotion to the Benfica first team in 2015. He made his debut against Tondela in October 2015, replacing Jonas. By December, he recorded his first goal for the club with a 30-metre strike against Académica. His performances throughout the season led to him winning the Primeira Liga Breakthrough Player award. He helped Benfica capture both the Primeira Liga title and the Taça da Liga before his high-profile transfer to Germany.
International Career
Sanches represented Portugal at various youth levels, accumulating 40 caps and scoring 8 goals. His debut for the senior international side occurred in March 2016. He remains the youngest Portuguese player to participate in an international tournament. During his inaugural senior tournament, he scored once and was designated the Young Player of the Tournament. His national contributions earned him the Commander of the Order of Merit of Portugal.
European Club Tenure
In July 2016, Bayern Munich signed Sanches for an initial fee of 35 million euros. His tenure in Germany included a loan spell at Swansea City in 2017. He later joined the French club Lille in 2019 for a reported 25 million euros, playing a key role in their 2020-21 Ligue 1 title victory. Subsequent moves included a transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in 2022, a loan to Roma, and a return to Benfica in 2024.
Fast facts
- Born: 1997, Lisbon, Portugal
- Professional Debut: October 2014
- Benfica transfer fee (2016): 35 million euros
- Young Player of the Tournament: 2016
- Golden Boy Award: 2016
- Lille transfer fee (2019): 25 million euros
- Paris Saint-Germain transfer fee (2022): 10 million euros
- Awards: Commander of the Order of Merit of Portugal
Questions readers ask
Which clubs has Renato Sanches played for professionally?
He has played for Benfica, Bayern Munich, Swansea City, Lille, Paris Saint-Germain, and Roma.
Did Renato Sanches win any individual awards?
Yes, he won the Golden Boy award in 2016, the Primeira Liga Breakthrough Player award, and the Young Player of the Tournament award.
Achievements
- Commander of the Order of Merit of Portugal
- Worked as association football player