One of the outstanding young players in Europe, he gained valuable Premier League experience over two seasons prior to his arrival after first impressing at Southampton and then with West Ham United in 2025/26.
Life before Spurs
A product of Sporting CP’s illustrious academy, he moved to Lisbon from local club Olhanense in 2016 and progressed through the ranks over the next eight years. Featuring for Sporting’s B team at 17, Mateus made his Primeira Liga debut in October, 2022 and, four days later, came off the bench against us for his UCL debut, a 1-1 draw at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He was loaned to Estoril in 2023/24, where he featured 28 times in the Primeira Liga and helped Estoril to a first cup final in 80 years. The Premier League was next for Mateus and a move to Southampton in the summer of 2024. He ranked in the top 10 for duels won (208) in the Premier League in 2024/25 and claimed the Saints’ Player of the Season award. Mateus joined West Ham in August, 2025 and impressed again, 36 appearances as he finished joint-fifth for most tackles (103) in the Premier League.
Portugal
Representing Portugal at every age group from Under-18s through to the Under-21s, Mateus’ excellent form at club level earned a call-up to the senior squad for friendlies against Mexico and USA in March, 2026. He won his first cap off the bench for Bruno Fernandes in the 2-0 win against the States in Atlanta.
Portugal
Portugal