Stevan Manuel

Born in Lisbon, Manuel began his football career in 2016 in the youth team Alta. The following year, he transferred to Benfica, where first distinguished himself in the youth teams with this football club.^[1][2] In the summer of 2024, he signed his first professional contract with this club.^[3]

Manuel was first called up to Portugal U17 team in September 2024.^[4] He was named to that squad for the 2025 UEFA European Under-17 Championship.^[5][6] Portugal reached the final of the competition after winning on penalties against Italy (after a 2–2 draw).^[7][8] The team then claimed the trophy by defeating France 3–0 in the final.^{[9][10][11][12]}

In November 2025, Manuel was again included the largely unchanged U-17 squad that participated in the U-17 World Cup in Qatar.^[13] He made his mark from the very first match, a 6–1 victory against New Caledonia where he was named man of the match.^[14] Portugal triumphed over some of the biggest teams from their respective continents, including Morocco, Belgium, Mexico, Brazil, and finally Austria in the final, winning the U-17 World Cup for the first time. Their prolific attack combined for 23 goals, just three shy of Nigeria's record set in 2013.^[15][16]

Manuel is the nephew of Portuguese international Renato Sanches.^[2]

Portugal U17

• FIFA U-17 World Cup: 2025^[17]
• UEFA European Under-17 Championship: 2025^[9]