Nuno Tavares has already established himself as one of the most exciting full-backs, combining searing speed with a penchant for goal involvement. Brought up in Lisbon and trained in Benfica's youth system, Tavares burst onto the scene with a match-winning display in the 2019 Portuguese Super Cup, which paved the way for a career characterized by attacking prowess. Since his €8 million move to Arsenal in 2021, Taraves has been a permanent fixture in loan transfers throughout Europe before permanently signing for Lazio in June 2025 after a breakout season with nine assists from 30 games. Though none have come his way since his early Benfica days, his ability to play as a left-back or wing-back makes him an attractive signing for clubs that value offensive width.
Tavares' path has not been smooth—opponents note defensive missteps, but coaches appreciate his capacity to stretch play and open up opportunities. With Lazio, manager Marco Baroni has utilized his pace in a 4-2-3-1 formation, though pundits believe he would excel even further as a wing-back. Internationally, he received his first Portugal cap in late 2024, marking increasing acknowledgement. At a net value of £6.5 million and with his best years yet to come, Tavares embodies the promise and danger of contemporary full-back football—a fleet-footed star still working on his defending skills.
Nuno Tavares was born in Lisbon, Portugal, to parents of Cape Verdean descent. His mother, Maria AmĂ©lia, has been a constant support system in his life, backing his football career from the beginning. Growing up in Bairro dos Navegadores, TalaĂde, a town on the outskirts of Lisbon, Tavares developed a passion for football at a young age. Before focusing solely on football, he had a keen interest in music, particularly playing the cello, which he pursued until his sports career took off. Tavares began his football journey with the youth team of Casa Pia in 2009. He later joined Sporting CP’s youth academy in 2010, where he spent three years before returning to Casa Pia. In 2015, he joined Benfica’s youth setup, where he continued to develop his skills. His talent was evident early on, and he quickly rose through the ranks and made his senior debut with Benfica’s reserves in 2018. His first-team debut came in August 2019, when he played a full 90 minutes in Benfica’s 5-0 victory over Sporting CP in the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira.
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Portugal
