Mendes Rising: How a Quiet Left-Back Became PSG's Hidden Engine Under Enrique

Nuno Mendes emerges as a key asset for PSG under Enrique

At 23, the Portuguese left-back is establishing himself as a vital piece for Paris Saint-Germain, France's reigning champions and recent Champions League winners, without chasing the halo of stardom that often surrounds the club's atmosphere, proving himself a force on the left flank.

In an AFP interview at PSG's training center on the outskirts of the capital, the 23-year-old said, I see myself as a good left-back, but I don't like to say I am the best.

He has three goals and three assists in 11 matches this season, including a goal and an assist in PSG's 7-2 win over Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League, and a superb assist for Sini Mayolo that set up the equalizer in a 2-1 win at Barcelona.

His Moroccan teammate Achraf Hakimi remains the only full-back who matches Mendes's form, occupying the right-back spot for coach Luis Enrique. Mendes added, Ashraf and I are in good form, but this is a team effort, and we all know how quickly things can change in football.

PSG won the Champions League for the first time in their history last season and currently lead the Ligue 1 table after three games. Enrique's side also look set to welcome back Dembele as they head to Lorient midweek, aiming to maintain momentum.

Mendes said, I love playing here, and emphasized that collective success matters more than any Ballon d'Or dream. He recalled that PSG's approach under Enrique has allowed him to grow since signing from Sporting in 2021 on loan, then permanently in 2022 for 40 million euros. He is nearing 150 appearances for the Parisians.

The Portugal international credited Enrique with helping him improve defensively: in the beginning I wasn't strong defensively; he helped me defend, and now I am better in both disciplines. He added that switching between attack and defense comes with balance, and the coach's versatility remains a key asset for the team's style.

If Mendes benefits from Enrique's methods, Portugal also benefits as they prepare for World Cup 2026, with Ronaldo and his teammates requiring one win from two away matches against Ireland and then Armenia to seal a place in the finals. Mendes noted he still has much to learn but believes there are no major flaws in his game right now, a sentiment echoed when he spoke of his country.

Portugal

Portugal were held to a late draw by Hungary in a World Cup 2026 qualifier, with Attila Sallai opening the scoring; Ronaldo answered with two goals, but Dominik Szoboszlai struck a late equalizer for Hungary to make it 2-2. Despite the draw, Portugal remained top of Group 6 with 10 points, while Hungary sat on five. Ronaldo’s brace pushed him to 41 goals in World Cup qualifying, becoming the top scorer in those qualifiers as the team eyes a place in the finals. Mendes continues to rise as a key piece in both PSG and Portugal’s plans for the road to 2026.