Renato Sanches: The Complete Guide

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the world of Renato Sanches, the Portuguese midfielder who has captured the attention of football fans worldwide. From his explosive breakthrough at Benfica to his current adventures, we'll cover everything you need to know about this dynamic player.

Who is Renato Sanches?

Renato Júnior Luz Sanches, born on August 18, 1997, is a Portuguese professional footballer who currently plays as a midfielder. Known for his incredible energy, powerful physique, and technical skills, Sanches is a box-to-box midfielder capable of impacting the game in both defensive and offensive phases. His journey in football has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, filled with incredible highs and challenging lows, making his story all the more compelling.

Sanches began his youth career with Águias da Musgueira and Benfica, where he quickly rose through the ranks. His performances for Benfica's youth and B teams didn't go unnoticed, and he soon found himself in the first team. It was here that he truly announced himself to the world, displaying maturity and confidence beyond his years. His ability to drive forward with the ball, coupled with his tenacious tackling, made him a standout player in the Primeira Liga. This early success set the stage for a high-profile transfer and an exciting career ahead.

Early Career and Breakthrough at Benfica

Renato Sanches began his youth career with Águias da Musgueira and Benfica, where he quickly rose through the ranks. His performances for Benfica's youth and B teams didn't go unnoticed, and he soon found himself in the first team. It was here that he truly announced himself to the world, displaying maturity and confidence beyond his years. His ability to drive forward with the ball, coupled with his tenacious tackling, made him a standout player in the Primeira Liga. In the 2015–16 season, Sanches became a key player for Benfica, helping them win the Primeira Liga title. His energetic performances in midfield, combined with his powerful runs and accurate passing, made him one of the most exciting young talents in European football. During this breakthrough season, he made 24 appearances in the league, scoring two goals, and also featured in the Champions League, showcasing his abilities on the highest stage.

His impressive performances for Benfica attracted the attention of several top European clubs, and it was only a matter of time before he made a big move. Sanches's time at Benfica was relatively short but incredibly impactful. He left a lasting impression on the club and its fans, who recognized his potential and appreciated his contributions to their league triumph. His emergence was a breath of fresh air, and he provided a glimpse of the exciting future that lay ahead for Portuguese football. The skills and experience he gained during this period would prove invaluable as he embarked on the next chapter of his career.

Move to Bayern Munich

Following his impressive performances at Benfica and during the Euro 2016 tournament, Renato Sanches secured a high-profile transfer to Bayern Munich in May 2016. The German giants paid a hefty sum for the young midfielder, reflecting the immense potential they saw in him. However, his time in Bavaria didn't quite go as planned. Despite the high expectations, Sanches struggled to adapt to the Bundesliga and the playing style of Bayern Munich. He found it difficult to break into the first team consistently, and his performances were often inconsistent.

During his first season with Bayern, Sanches made 17 Bundesliga appearances but failed to score a goal. He also featured in the Champions League, but his impact was limited. The competition for places in Bayern's midfield was fierce, with established stars like Xabi Alonso, Thiago Alcântara, and Arturo Vidal ahead of him in the pecking order. Sanches found it challenging to get regular playing time, which hindered his development and confidence. The pressure of playing for such a prestigious club, combined with the language barrier and cultural differences, also contributed to his struggles. Despite the difficulties, Sanches remained determined to prove himself and worked hard in training to improve his game. However, the opportunities to showcase his talent were few and far between, leading to speculation about his future at the club.

Loan Spell at Swansea City

In a bid to revive his career and gain regular playing time, Renato Sanches joined Swansea City on loan for the 2017–18 season. The move to the Premier League was seen as a chance for him to rediscover his form and confidence. However, his time at Swansea was also marred by struggles and inconsistencies. He made 12 Premier League appearances but failed to make a significant impact. Injuries and a lack of form further hampered his progress, and he often looked a shadow of the player who had impressed at Benfica and Euro 2016.

One of the most memorable moments of his time at Swansea was a misplaced pass to an advertising hoarding during a match against Chelsea, which became a viral sensation and further highlighted his struggles. Despite the difficulties, Sanches remained professional and continued to work hard in training. However, the loan spell did little to boost his confidence or revive his career. He returned to Bayern Munich at the end of the season, facing an uncertain future. The move to Swansea was intended to be a turning point, but it ultimately proved to be another setback in his career. The challenges he faced in the Premier League highlighted the need for him to find a stable environment where he could develop and regain his form.

Resurgence at Lille

Renato Sanches experienced a career resurgence after joining Lille in August 2019. The French club provided him with the opportunity to play regularly and rediscover his confidence. Under the guidance of coach Christophe Galtier, Sanches flourished in Ligue 1, showcasing the qualities that had made him one of Europe's most promising talents. His dynamic performances in midfield helped Lille challenge for the league title, and he quickly became a key player for the team. Sanches formed a strong partnership with his fellow midfielders, and his ability to drive forward with the ball and create scoring opportunities was a major asset for Lille.

In the 2020–21 season, Sanches played a crucial role in Lille's Ligue 1 triumph, ending Paris Saint-Germain's dominance in French football. His performances in midfield were outstanding, and he consistently delivered match-winning displays. Sanches's resurgence at Lille was a testament to his resilience and determination to overcome the challenges he had faced earlier in his career. He proved that he still had the potential to be a top player and that he could thrive in the right environment. His success at Lille also attracted the attention of several top clubs, who were keen to secure his services. The move to Lille was a turning point in his career, allowing him to rediscover his form and fulfill his potential.

Move to Paris Saint-Germain

In August 2022, Renato Sanches joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), returning to Ligue 1 after a successful spell with Lille. The move to PSG was seen as a significant step in his career, giving him the opportunity to play alongside some of the world's best players and compete for major trophies. However, his time at PSG has been inconsistent, with injuries and competition for places limiting his playing time. Despite the challenges, Sanches has shown glimpses of his talent and has contributed to the team when given the opportunity.

The midfielder's arrival added depth and quality to PSG's midfield options. However, breaking into the starting lineup consistently has proven difficult due to the presence of established stars. While his time at PSG has not been as impactful as his spell at Lille, Sanches remains a valuable member of the squad, capable of making a difference when called upon. His ability to play in multiple midfield positions provides tactical flexibility for the coach, and his energy and dynamism can inject pace into the team's play. As he continues his career at PSG, Sanches will be hoping to overcome the challenges and establish himself as a key player for the club.

International Career

Renato Sanches has also represented Portugal at various youth levels before making his senior international debut in 2016. He was a key member of the Portugal squad that won Euro 2016, where he was named the Young Player of the Tournament. His performances during the tournament were outstanding, and he scored a crucial goal in the quarter-final against Poland. Sanches's energy, dynamism, and technical skills were on full display, and he quickly became a fan favorite. At the time of the tournament he was the youngest player to ever feature in a Euro final.

Since then, he has continued to represent Portugal and has been a part of several major tournaments. While his international career has had its ups and downs, Sanches remains a valuable asset for the national team. His experience and versatility make him a useful player to have in the squad, and he is always ready to give his all for his country. As he continues his career, Sanches will be hoping to play a key role in Portugal's future success.

Style of Play

Renato Sanches is known for his energetic and dynamic style of play. He is a box-to-box midfielder who is capable of contributing both defensively and offensively. His key attributes include his strong physique, dribbling skills, and ability to make powerful runs from midfield. Sanches is also a good passer and has the ability to score goals from distance. His versatility allows him to play in various midfield positions, making him a valuable asset for any team.

Achievements and Honors

Throughout his career, Renato Sanches has achieved significant success at both club and international levels. His major achievements and honors include:

• Primeira Liga title with Benfica (2015–16)
• Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich (2016–17)
• Ligue 1 title with Lille (2020–21)
• UEFA European Championship with Portugal (2016)
• UEFA European Championship Young Player of the Tournament (2016)

What's Next for Renato Sanches?

As Renato Sanches continues his career, the future looks promising. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, he has shown resilience and determination to overcome them. His move to Paris Saint-Germain represents a new chapter in his career, and he will be aiming to establish himself as a key player for the club. With his talent and potential, Sanches has the ability to achieve great things and become one of the top midfielders in the world. Whether he stays at PSG long-term or seeks opportunities elsewhere, his career is one to watch with great interest. His journey serves as an inspiration to young players around the world, demonstrating that hard work, dedication, and belief in oneself can lead to success, even in the face of adversity.