Renato Sanches emerged from Benfica's academy and broke into the first team in 2015/16, winning the Primeira Liga and the Taça da Liga before moving to Bayern Munich. He later played for Swansea City on loan, Lille, with whom he won Ligue 1, Paris Saint-Germain and Roma.

He is a powerful central midfielder whose game is built on strength, drive and the ability to carry the ball through congested areas.

He returned to Benfica in August 2024 on a season-long loan from Paris Saint-Germain. Deployed in central midfield under Bruno Lage, he was a squad option rather than a fixture, and the loan expired in June 2025 without a permanent move.

He won UEFA Euro 2016 with Portugal, was named the tournament's best young player and took the Golden Boy award that year.