Portuguese defender Nuno Mendes has hit a remarkable milestone, reaching 17 senior titles at just 23 years old after Paris Saint-Germain’s recent French Super Cup win. The left-back, who turns 24 in June, added the trophy to his collection following PSG’s victory over Monaco in the annual curtain-raiser last week. It’s his fourth Super Cup with the French giants, capping a run that’s seen him lift hardware across club and country levels since breaking through as a teen.
Mendes started his pro career at Sporting CP in Lisbon back in 2020. He was just 18 when he helped them clinch the Portuguese Primeira Liga title that season, ending a 19-year drought for the club.
That same year, he picked up the Taça da Liga and the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira, rounding out three domestic wins in his debut campaign. Scouts noticed his speed and crossing right away, and by 2021, PSG came calling. They loaned him first, then made it permanent for around €38 million in 2022.
At PSG, Mendes settled in quickly despite some injury setbacks. He’s been part of four Ligue 1 triumphs, starting with the 2021-22 season alongside stars like Messi and Mbappé back then. The league wins came in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, showing his steady role in a dominant side.
Add in two Coupe de France victories in 2024 and 2025 and those four Trophée des Champions – the French Super Cup – from 2023 through 2026. That last one, played in Shenzhen, China, saw PSG beat Monaco 4-1, with Mendes playing the full match and setting up a goal.
His European haul stands out too. Last season, Mendes was key in PSG’s first-ever UEFA Champions League win, beating Real Madrid 2-1 in the final at Wembley. He provided an assist in the semis against Dortmund.
That triumph led to the UEFA Super Cup in August 2025, where PSG edged Bayern Munich on penalties. Then came the FIFA Intercontinental Cup in December 2025, a revamped global club event. PSG topped Boca Juniors 3-0 in Qatar, with Mendes locking down the left flank.
On the international stage, Mendes debuted for Portugal in 2021 at 18. His biggest prize came with the UEFA Nations League in 2025. Portugal downed Spain 1-0 in the final in Rotterdam, and Mendes started every game in the campaign.
He’s got over 40 caps now, including spots in the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024 squads. Coach Roberto Martinez calls him a “modern full-back” for his attacking runs and defence.
Born in Sintra, just outside Lisbon, Mendes grew up playing for local clubs before joining Sporting’s academy at 10. He skipped the usual under-23 step and went straight to the first team. Injuries have been his main hurdle – a thigh problem sidelined him for months in 2023-24, limiting him to 14 league games. But he’s bounced back strong.
This season, in 2025-26, he’s appeared in 11 Ligue 1 matches, scoring twice and assisting twice, plus six in the Champions League with two more goals. His market value sits at €75 million, per Transfermarkt, and PSG extended his deal to 2029 last year.
Fans and pundits are buzzing about his pace. At 1.80 metres, he’s quick off the mark, clocking top speeds over 35 km/h in games. Social media lit up after the Super Cup, with posts calling him “insane” for his trophy count at such a young age.
One Instagram account listed all 17, noting he’s younger than many peers just starting out. Compared to legends, it’s early, but his haul rivals what some greats like Dani Alves had at that age.
In Paris, where PSG dominates, Mendes fits the high-pressure scene. Off the pitch, he’s low-key, focusing on family and training. He credits his sporting days for building resilience. Looking ahead, PSG aim to defend their Champions League crown, starting with group games against tough sides like Liverpool and Juventus. Mendes could add more silverware soon.
For Portuguese fans in Lisbon or expats in places like Newark, New Jersey, he’s a pride point. His story shows talent plus hard work pays off. As the season rolls, expect more from this rising star. He’s not done yet.
