Portugal heads into Euro 2024 as one of the tournament favorites, boasting a squad brimming with talent. However, despite the abundance of stars, some notable names have missed out on selection. Let's look closely at five players who didn't cut.

1. Matheus Nunes

Despite his talent, Matheus Nunes has been omitted from Portugal's Euro 2024 squad due to limited playing time at Manchester City. The midfielder's sporadic appearances off the bench hindered his chances of selection, leaving him out of contention for his national team.

Matheus Nunes's journey in professional football has been one of promise and potential. Born in Brazil, Nunes made a name for himself at Sporting CP, where he showcased his technical ability and vision in midfield. His performances caught the eye of top European clubs, leading to a move to Manchester City in the summer of 2023.

While the transfer to City was seen as a significant step in Nunes's career, it ultimately proved to be a stumbling block in his international aspirations. Despite being part of a Premier League-winning squad, Nunes struggled to secure regular playing time under Pep Guardiola. Limited to cameo appearances off the bench, he failed to make the desired impact to earn a spot in Portugal's Euro 2024 squad.

2. Renato Sanches

Once hailed as a rising star, Renato Sanches failed to secure a spot in Portugal's squad for Euro 2024. Despite his past success, inconsistent performances at various clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, have seen him miss out on international duty. At just 26, Sanches still has time to resurrect his career and stake a claim for future tournaments.

Renato Sanches burst onto the scene with Benfica and quickly established himself as one of Europe's most promising midfield talents. His dynamic style of play and ability to drive forward with the ball caught the attention of top clubs, leading to a high-profile move to Bayern Munich. However, Sanches struggled to adapt to the demands of the Bundesliga and subsequently endured loan spells at Swansea City and Lille.

During his time at Lille, Sanches enjoyed a resurgence, playing a pivotal role in their Ligue 1 triumph. His performances reignited hopes of a revival in his career, leading to a move to Paris Saint-Germain. However, Sanches failed to replicate his form at PSG, prompting his omission from Portugal's Euro 2024 squad.

3. William Carvalho

A seasoned midfielder with ample international experience, William Carvalho's omission from Portugal's Euro 2024 squad is a surprise. Despite his solid performances for Real Betis, Carvalho's lack of standout moments may have cost him a place in the team, leaving him to watch the tournament from home.

His composure and elegance in midfield have defined William Carvalho's career. Emerging from the Sporting CP academy, Carvalho quickly established himself as a key figure for club and country. His ability to shield the defense and dictate play earned him plaudits, leading to a move to Real Betis in La Liga.

Despite his consistent performances in Spain, Carvalho's absence from the Euro 2024 squad reflects the fierce competition for places in Portugal's midfield. While he remains a reliable presence for Real Betis, the national team opted for other options, leaving Carvalho on the outside looking in.

4. Raphael Guerreiro

Injury woes dashed Raphael Guerreiro's hopes of representing Portugal at Euro 2024. The versatile Bayern Munich player, capable of influencing games from multiple positions, would have been a valuable asset for his national team. However, an ankle injury sidelined him, robbing Portugal of his talents on the pitch.

Raphael Guerreiro's versatility and intelligence on the field have made him a valuable asset for club and country. Starting his career at Lorient, Guerreiro's performances caught the eye of top clubs, leading to a move to Borussia Dortmund. His ability to play as a left-back or left midfielder and his attacking prowess made him a fan favorite at Signal Iduna Park.

Moving to Bayern Munich further enhanced Guerreiro's reputation, with the Portuguese international establishing himself as a key figure for the Bavarian giants. However, an untimely ankle injury ruled him out of contention for Portugal's Euro 2024 squad, leaving a void in the team's defensive and attacking capabilities.

5. Pedro Goncalves

Despite an outstanding season with Sporting, Pedro Goncalves has been left out of Portugal's Euro 2024 squad. The forward's impressive goal-scoring and creative contributions weren't enough to secure a place in the team, leaving him with a sense of disappointment but determination to prove himself in future tournaments.

Pedro Goncalves's rise to prominence has been nothing short of remarkable. Emerging as one of Sporting's standout performers, Goncalves showcased his attacking prowess and ability to influence games with his goals and assists. His performances earned him recognition and accolades, but a place in Portugal's Euro 2024 squad eluded him.

Despite the disappointment of missing out on the tournament, Pedro Goncalves remains focused on his goals and aspirations. With his talent and determination, Goncalves is poised to bounce back stronger and stake his claim for future opportunities with the national team.

Portugal squad

Honorary Mentions for Portugal

Several other top Portuguese players, including Francisco Trincao, Nuno Santos, Jose Fonte, Joao Mario, and Ricardo Pereira, missed the Euro 2024 selection. Despite their notable performances, the depth of talent within Portugal's squad meant the coaching staff had to make tough decisions.