Today marks the 32nd birthday of Nélson Cabral Semedo, a player whose story feels like hard work slowly paying off. He remains one of Portugal’s most trusted right backs, and in October alone he featured in two big international matches.
He came on in the 62nd minute during the tense 1-0 win over Ireland, in which Neves came to the rescue, as covered by SoftFootball. Days later, he played the full 90 minutes in the 2-2 against Hungary that saw Szoboszlai grab a late equaliser. It shows he is still very much part of Portugal’s plans.
Semedo’s rise started at Sintrense before Benfica spotted him in 2012. After a short loan at Fátima, he grew through Benfica’s B team and made his senior debut in 2015. His pace and direct style made him a key starter, helping the team win the league twice along with the Taça de Portugal and Taça da Liga.
His breakout season earned him the LPFP Breakthrough Player award in 2017. That same year came the move many young players dream of, a transfer to Barcelona. At Barça, he won La Liga, Copa del Rey and the Supercopa while learning from some of the best players in the world.
In 2020, he moved to Wolves, where he settled quickly. Over five seasons he made more than 160 appearances and even became club captain in late 2024. Fans respected the way he worked, rarely complaining and always giving steady performances.
For Portugal, he has earned 47 caps and contributed to two UEFA Nations League titles. He was part of the 2019 squad that lifted the trophy and even made the Team of the Tournament. Although he never reached a World Cup final squad, he never drifted far from national-team duty.
By July 2025, Semedo began a new challenge with Fenerbahçe in Turkey. He wears the number 27 shirt and has already blended into the fast, physical style of the Süper Lig. Fenerbahçe took to their official X account to celebrate the Portuguese full-back as he continues to shine in the Süper Lig.
Away from football, Semedo keeps a calm life. Born in Lisbon with Cape Verdean roots, he is a family man with his wife, Marlene, and their two children. Friends say he is humble and easygoing, the type who prefers simple things and still jokes about his love for chocolate chip ice cream.
As Semedo turns 32, he remains a player who built his career quietly but solidly. From Sintrense to Barcelona and now to Fenerbahçe, his journey reflects resilience and a steady belief in himself. Many more years of speed and hard work still look possible. Happy birthday, Nélson.
