Former Wolves captain Ruben Neves experienced a career high in the Nations League final.
As Portugal beat Spain to conclude the Nations League, a lot of attention in the West Midlands was on the contest.
Remarkably, eight players named in the Portugal matchday squad had ties to Wolves, with a list of former players making Roberto Martinez’s XI.
While Nelson Semedo triumphed to play a part in the final, Jose Sa remained on the bench, but those who have departed Molineux played an even greater role in the win.
In the penalty shoot-out, Ruben Neves stepped up and scored the decisive spot-kick, wheeling away in emotional celebrations as Portugal were crowned the tournament winners.
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Wolves fans are all saying the same thing about Ruben Neves
If there’s one player who has earned the conditional love and support of Wolves fans, it’s Neves, who is adored at Molineux to this day.
Though the midfielder left in 2023 to sign for Al-Hilal, Neves has visited the West Midlands since, catching up with his former club and teammates during the 2024/25 campaign.
When Neves converted the cup-winning penalty, Wolves fans erupted with pride on social media and unsurprisingly, they all said the same thing.
“Bring. Him. Home.” One fan said, as another sent a similar three-word message to the club.
“Sign. Him. Up.”
Wolves supporters dream of having Neves back one day, with the Nations League final reviving the pleas to re-sign the former skipper.
One fan said, “King. Please come back at the end of your contract,” as another insisted they’d forgive Jeff Shi if he sanctioned a move for the midfielder.
“Sign him up Jeff and all is forgiven.”
Other Wolves fans moved away from the dream of a future transfer for Neves, instead just celebrating the 28-year-old’s achievement.
“Ruben our king,” and “Knew it was over when he was stepping up to take the last one. My captain.”
“He deserves nothing but good things,” a proud fan said, a comment that was echoed by another.
“Ruben Neves winning Portugal a trophy.”
Neves overjoyed by Portugal’s Nations League win
After the game, the former Wolves skipper spoke to the media, where he described the match and the penalty shootout as the standout moment in his career.
“It was the most important moment of my sporting career,” Neves said, via O Jogo.
“Scoring the decisive penalty, seeing the happiness of the fans and my family is indescribable.”
Neves got a bit of stick when leaving Wolves to sign for Al-Hilal at the age of 26, however, the midfield maestro has proved his doubters wrong, still at the top of his game and earning international call-ups.
It’s been quite the journey for Neves, and who knows what the future holds for him, but for now, he’ll be replaying the match-winning penalty over and over.