Gil Neves, U17 European champion, signs with 1. FC Köln

Eighteen‑year‑old midfielder Gil Neves has joined German club 1. FC Köln from Benfica Lissabon on a long‑term contract. Born in Luxembourg in 2008, Neves began his career at Syra Mensdorf before moving to F91 Düdelingen and then to Benfica’s academy in the summer of 2024. He featured in 23 matches for Benfica’s U23 side and played nine Youth League games, while also representing Portugal’s junior national teams. In the summer of 2025 he helped Portugal’s U17 squad win the European Championship, scoring the third goal in a 3‑0 final win over France.

Köln’s technical director Lukas Berg said the club had followed Neves’ development for a long time and believes the player has strong technical, physical and character traits for a defensive midfield role. The club plans to integrate him gradually, starting with the U21 side and giving him occasional training sessions with the senior squad. Neves expressed excitement about the move, recalling childhood visits to the Köln stadium and looking forward to playing in front of the club’s fans.