Nuno Mendes: Gold Soccer Awards Best LB/LWB of 2026

Nuno Mendes is Gold Soccer Awards' Best Left-Back/Left Wing-Back of 2026, recognised for an outstanding season with Paris Saint-Germain.

Explosive, technically gifted and defensively exceptional, Mendes represents the modern full-back at its very best.

During the 2025/26 season, he made 40 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals and providing seven assists. He was instrumental in PSG's Champions League triumph, combining attacking ambition with outstanding defensive discipline. His performances for Portugal at the 2026 World Cup further demonstrated his quality on the international stage.

The finalists

Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly enjoyed a breakthrough season, making 53 appearances, scoring nine goals and providing six assists. His powerful running and versatility made him one of the campaign's standout young defenders. Piero Hincapié also impressed, bringing aggression, composure and tactical intelligence to Arsenal's defence. Three outstanding players, but Mendes takes the award.

Three exceptional players, but Mendes takes the crown.

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Gold Soccer Awards recognises footballing excellence independently, without influence from publicity, popularity or hype.