Every week, OneFootball introduces you to the new gems of world football. Today, we focus on one of the revelations from the last U17 World Cup.
Rafael Quintas (17 years old) has established himself as one of the most influential players in Portugal’s U17 World Cup victory. In June, he was already voted the best player of the U17 Euro. This has led to comparisons with Vitinha.
Trained at Benfica, the midfielder has emerged from two major U17 tournaments where his impact on game organization has caught the attention of many scouts.
Whether as a defensive midfielder or a playmaker depending on the needs, Quintas has stood out for his ability to withstand pressing and dictate the tempo in all phases of the game.
His clean first touch, calmness under pressure, and intelligent positioning have allowed him to become the launching pad for Portuguese attacks.
🏆 2025 U17 EURO Player of the Tournament: Rafael Quintas ⚡#U17EURO | @selecaoportugalpic.twitter.com/g7d0vjVie2
— UEFA Men’s Youth (@UEFAMensYouth) June 1, 2025
Despite a physique still in development, he has also shown an impressive mastery of duels and rare defensive consistency for his age.
Beyond his role in playmaking, Quintas impresses with his reading of the game and his ability to move into the right areas to offer simple and effective solutions.
His profile is reminiscent of modern organizing midfielders: always oriented, always available, always ready to progress cleanly. His influence is not measured by spectacular numbers, but by the fluidity his team gains when he is on the field.
Observers agree that his physical development will be key to transitioning to a higher level. His game, already very mature, could reach new heights if he gains power and impact, especially in the final pass and actions near the goal area.
Benfica has not yet launched Quintas in the first team, but he is considered one of the greatest promises of the training center.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.
