The midfielder was a Euro 2016 winner with his nation but cannot find a place among the 35 called up for Russia
Renato Sanches is a sensational absence for Portugal in the 2018 World Cup, failing to find a place even among the Euro 2016 winner's preliminary 35-man squad announced on Monday.
Sanches played six out of seven games as an 18-year-old in France as the side led by Cristiano Ronaldo took their first-ever international title.
But he has failed to shine at either Bayern Munich or Swansea City since then, and will play no part in the finals.
Unsurprisingly Selecao captain Ronaldo is included among the call-ups, while there is also a place for veteran playmaker Ricardo Quaresma.
Portugal preliminary squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Anthony Lopes (Lyon), Beto (Goztepe), Rui Patrício (Sporting)
Defenders: Antunes (Getafe), Bruno Alves (Rangers), Cédric Soares (Southampton), João Cancelo (Inter), José Fonte (Dalian Yifang), Luís Neto (Fenerbahçe), Mário Rui (Nápoles), Nélson Semedo (Barcelona), Pepe (Besiktas), Raphael Guerreiro (Dortmund), Ricardo Pereira (FC Porto), Rolando (Marselha) e Rúben Dias (Benfica)
Midfielders: Adrien Silva (Leicester), André Gomes (Barcelona), Bruno Fernandes (Sporting), João Mário (West Ham), João Moutinho (Mónaco), Manuel Fernandes (Lokomotiv), Rúben Neves (Wolverhampton), Sérgio Oliveira (FC Porto), William Carvalho (Sporting)
Forwards: André Silva (Milan), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Éder (Lokomotiv), Gelson Martins (Sporting), Gonçalo Guedes (Valência), Nani (Lazio), Paulinho (SC Braga), Ricardo Quaresma (Besiktas), Ronny Lopes (Mónaco)
peydklny
133
some kids develop faster then flatline. unfortunetly he's one of those, I watched him in bundesliga and premiere league he seems to be getting worse. maybe getting left out of world cup would improve his mental state. one thing we know is that he is talented and does have the ability. to me its like he lacks the motivation.
Nathangroove
92
Why is Renato Sanchez left out please add him back you don’t know want football is about he can be the game best I never knew him it was 2016 that I had the chance to know him better so please. If Ronaldo you guys are allowing Nina to go why not renato sanches
ResHiFaziL
77
He was absolutely good in Euro 16 But then on it has not been a bite day at office for him But w know he is a man of high caliper and tremendous potential so we support him at this time.He will come back roaring like a tiger.Vamos Sanches😍😍😎😎
Zidpsu
73
Liverpool were craving to get him but he opted to go to Swansea who were just battling for safety and wasn't ready for lazy and unmotivated kids but real men to fight with them to survive. what a stupid decion from the arrogant kid .
reàl_madridsta
59
he should not have gone to Swansea in the first place from the moment i saw that happen i know is career was going to fall apart. he is talented but lock of motivation. I would rather him playing in the Spanish league but i hope he find that spark inside to ignite is gameplay
Bishal Gurung
48
This is really ridiculos Young talent kid is out of world cup.. Why dnt u kick out that andre gomes. In place of renato..???? 😭😭😭😭
smith09
46
Adrien Silva (Leicester), André Gomes (Barcelona), Bruno Fernandes (Sporting), João Mário (West Ham), João Moutinho (Mónaco), Manuel Fernandes (Lokomotiv), Rúben Neves (Wolverhampton), Sérgio Oliveira (FC Porto), William Carvalho (Sporting). So you're telling that among all these mid the coach couldn't replace Renato bullshit
ALI0786
42
No chance for Portugal in this world cup. Football is a team game so you have to play as a team. It's all depends on Cristiano Ronaldo let's see what he can do but he needs more support from his team mates.