In the Land of... Pedro Neto: the boy from Viana who conquered Chelsea
RTP went to Viana do Castelo to tell the story of the Chelsea winger who was called up from Portugal for the 2026 World Cup, a boy who keeps his feet on the ground, even in the international spotlight.

Pedro Neto was called up by Roberto Martinez for the Portuguese team at the 2026 World Cup, but the Chelsea winger's story begins long before English stadiums. Born in Viana do Castelo, the player returns to his hometown in the words of those who watched him grow up: a hard-working, fun and irreverent kid, far from the spotlight of the Premier League. ', traveled the streets of Viana do Castelo to hear from neighbors, schoolmates and coaches who shaped Neto's personality.
The image that emerges is that of a young man who balanced his passion for football with a normal life, attending school and playing in the streets of the Monserrate neighborhood, where he was born. Reports highlight his dedication from an early age, training for hours on end in the local field, but also his relaxed nature, capable of turning any training session into a game. Countrymen describe Neto as an example of humility, even after reaching the top of European football.
A youth coach at Gil Vicente, the club where Neto took his first steps, remembers him as a player who never thought he was above others, always willing to help his younger colleagues. His irreverence, in fact, is highlighted as one of the hallmarks of his personality: from an early age, Neto was not afraid to challenge the rules, whether on the field or off it, a characteristic that his neighbors associate with his current success. Martinez's call-up for the 2026 World Cup is just the latest chapter in a journey that began in a coastal city in northern Portugal.
The residents of Viana do Castelo do not hide their pride, but also the naturalness with which they view the projection of their fellow countryman. 'He never changed', sums up a former neighbor. 'He's still that kid who was going to play football with us, even after turning professional'.
Pedro Neto's story is, after all, that of a boy who took his land in his heart — and who now takes his land to the world. Read at RTP Desporto
Why this matters
At a time when the eyes of the world turn to the Portuguese team, fans are looking for more than numbers and statistics. This profile humanizes Pedro Neto, showing how his personality and roots shaped the player he is today. Upon returning to Viana do Castelo, RTP offers the Portuguese a narrative that transcends football: that of a man who never forgot where he came from, even when the world became his stage.
Frequently asked
- Who called up Pedro Neto for the 2026 World Cup?
- Coach Roberto Martinez was responsible for calling Pedro Neto to the Portuguese team for the 2026 World Cup.
- Where was Pedro Neto born?
- Pedro Neto was born in Viana do Castelo, in the neighborhood of Monserrate, a coastal city in the north of Portugal.
- What is the RTP series that accompanies this report?
- The report is part of the series 'Na Terra de...', which travels to the hometowns of public figures to tell their stories.
- What characteristics are associated with Pedro Neto by his fellow countrymen?
- The residents of Viana do Castelo describe Neto as hardworking, fun, irreverent and humble, highlighting his dedication from an early age and his ability to keep his feet on the ground.
- In which club did Pedro Neto start his training?
- Pedro Neto began his training at Gil Vicente, a club in his hometown, before moving to Braga and, later, Chelsea.


















