Pedro Neto scored for Portugal on Wednesday night as Roberto Martinez’s side got the better of Nigeria in their final warm-up match ahead of the World Cup.
Chelsea star Neto has endured a difficult season domestically and had gone four months without scoring a goal for club or country before starting against Nigeria. But one flash of his left boot ended that run.
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Having started against Chile in Portugal’s previous warm-up game, Neto found himself in the starting XI for a second time with Chelsea target Rafael Leao banned. Leao had been sent off in the win over Chile.
It paid off. Starting on the left in place of Leao with Trincao on the right and Cristiano Ronaldo up top, Portugal secured a 2-1 win over Nigeria. Neto opened the scoring with a well-placed left-footed finish.
Chelsea fans impressed by Pedro Neto’s Portugal performance
Too many times, during 2025-26, Chelsea fans had become frustrated with Neto for failing to make an impact in a Chelsea shirt. There are social media clips of Neto stifling a Chelsea attack, passing backwards.
The pressure might have got to Neto. He was playing like he was under a cloud at Chelsea, but in the last couple of games for Portugal, his performances suggested an element of freedom under Martinez.
Chelsea fans have noticed this. Many are excited to see what their most-experienced winger can really do when the shackles are off when Portugal take on DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia in the groups.
One Chelsea fan was so impressed with Neto’s outing, which came against a decent Nigeria side, albeit without £150m-rated Victor Osimhen, that he believes Neto is going to “carry Portugal” this summer.
Another said that on his day, Neto is “world class” and suggested he showed that against Nigeria. For Portugal, for Martinez and for Neto, the hope is that continues next Wednesday against DR Congo.
One Chelsea fan was so impressed that he suggested the “World Cup golden boot” is incoming, while another Chelsea supporter joked that Neto – who could leave Stamford Bridge – is worth “£150m”.
The competition Pedro Neto has out wide in Portugal squad
However, Neto was not the only Portugal winger to make an impression. Juventus’ Francisco Conceicao got the winner for Portugal and there is an argument to say he is currently Portugal’s best wide player.
The Juve star has enjoyed an excellent season alongside Chelsea target Dusan Vlahovic and is more than likely to start next Wednesday, when Portugal begin their World Cup campaign against DR Congo.
But on the left, a different position to his right-wing role at Chelsea, Neto looks the likeliest pick over both Trincao and Leao. Perhaps, Neto can be the one to help Ronaldo finally win that elusive World Cup.
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