Nélson Semedo

Audi


The Barcelona defender and his relative Leo pose for a photograph in the parking lot. Soon they'll be driving off in the stylish ride resting in the background.

Born in Lisbon, Portugal, the defender came through the youth system at Portuguese third-division outfit Sintrense. Soon after making his debut aged 17, he was scouted and signed by Portuguese giants S.L. Benfica on a five-year deal. After spending a year on loan at Fátima of Segunda Divisão, the youngster returned to his parent and began featuring for Benfica B in the Segunda Liga. Over the course of 2013-16, the wing-back made over 60 appearances for reserves, being touted as the natural successor for stalwart Maxi Pereira. His first-team debut came in a 1-0 defeat at the hands of arch rivals Sporting CP for the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira on 9 August 2015. A week later scored his first goal for The Eagles in a 4-0 thumping of Estoril. His debut season was cut-short by a knee ligament injury, but the youngster would return strong the following season. His tenure at Benfica saw him make 65 appearances and chip in with 3 goals and 12 assist. His trophy cabinet boasted back-to-back Premeira Liga (2015/16, 2016/17), Taça de Portugal (2016/17), Taça de Liga (2015/16), and Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira (2016). The Portuguese defender signed a five-year contract with Spanish giants FC Barcelona on 14 July 2017 for a fee €35 million. He made his debut  on 16 August in a 2-0 defeat against Real Madrid in the second leg of the Supercopa de España. He scored his first competitive goal for the Catalans in a 2-0 win over Girona in La Liga. The blistering wing-back has 82 appearances to his name in two seasons for La Blaugrana, adding La Liga (2017/18, 2018/19), Copa del Rey (2017/18), and Supercopa de España (2018) to his already brimming trophy cabinet.