Wolves star Mateus Mane has committed his international future to Portugal after being called up to the Under-21 side during the international break.
The 18-year-old made two substitute appearances in the Under-21 Euros qualifying wins over Azerbaijan and Scotland, as the Seleçao claimed 4-0 and 3-0 wins, respectively.
Mane was born in Barreiro, but has previously represented England at youth level for the Under 18's. Yet Portugal has been able to persuade him to play for them, and in doing so, have secured one of the standout talents of the 2025/26 Premier League season as part of their next generation of talents.
Why Mane Chose Portugal Over England
Mateus Mane
Conversations with Mané have taken place over the past few months with both Under-21 coach Luis Freire and senior national team boss Roberto Martinez involved.
GIVEMESPORT understands it took several meetings between the player and the technical staff of the Portuguese Football Federation leading to his decision to represent Portugal. One of the most recent of those meetings saw Freire directly outline his vision for Mane in significant detail, as well as explaining why he would be an asset for the team.
Freire only took over in July 2025 following last summer's European Championships, where they reached the quarter-finals, and, amazingly, has not lost a game or even seen his side concede a goal. During his tenure, he has handed debuts to 24 players, including Watford's Vivaldo Semedo, Benfica's Goncalo Moreira, Sporting's Joao Simoes and Lyon's Afonso Moreira.
Mane came away from talks with Freire encouraged by his pathway, while FPF president Pedro Proenca and Martinez stressed in different calls that they view him as capable of representing Portugal at senior level in the coming years.
Wolves Want to Keep Mane
Mateus Mane
The Wolves attacking midfielder has made 20 Premier League appearances this season, scoring twice and getting two assists. And despite Wolves' disappointing season, he has been one of the standout performers, leading to several Premier League and European clubs tracking his progress.
Wolves' preference is to keep Mane this summer with a belief within the club that if they go down, the teenager will prove important in helping them return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
The 18-year-old signed a new long-term contract at Molineux this season, tying him to the club until 2029, but it remains to be seen if he will still be at the club next season.
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