We can now confirm the squad number Mateus Fernandes will wear for the Club.
After the midfielder completed his move to north London earlier today (Thursday 2 July), he has been assigned the number 18 shirt.
The 21-year-old Portugal international midfielder joins from West Ham United.
Mateus said: "I'm very excited for this next step. Spurs is a massive club and the Head Coach was a key part of why I have decided to join.
"When we spoke, it was very special. We look at football in the same way - going onto the pitch as a strong team, with fight and energy, to try and win every game. I can't wait to get started, to meet the fans, to meet everyone, and give everything for the Club."
Sporting Director, Johan Lange, said: "I'm delighted to welcome Mateus to the Club.
"He is a player with outstanding technical ability, intelligence and maturity, and even at a young age, has shown he can perform consistently in demanding, high-pressure environments. We believe this is the right place for Mateus to take the next step in his career, working with our outstanding coaching staff and alongside an ambitious and talented group of players.
"I know our supporters will enjoy watching him, as he has the talent, mentality and work ethic to become a very important player both for the present and the future of Tottenham Hotspur."
Head Coach, Roberto De Zerbi, said: "I've admired Mateus for a long time because he combines quality on the ball with the intensity and intelligence that are so important in the way we want to play.
"Despite his age, he already has good experience in the Premier League and has shown quality and consistency at this level. Mateus is comfortable under pressure, can progress the ball, works hard for the team and has the courage to make things happen in difficult moments. I believe this is the ideal environment for him to continue his development and I'm excited to start working with him."
One of the outstanding young players in Europe, Mateus has gained valuable Premier League experience over the past two seasons after first impressing at Southampton and then with West Ham last term.
A product of Sporting CP’s illustrious academy, he moved there from local club Olhanense in 2016 and progressed through the ranks over the next eight years at the Lisbon-based club.
Featuring regularly for Sporting’s B team in the third tier at 17 years old in 2021/22, the following campaign saw him make his first team debut in the Primeira Liga in October, 2022, and, four days later, came off the bench at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for his maiden UEFA Champions League appearance in our 1-1 draw in the group stage.
Ending with seven first-team appearances across the board that term – including a UEFA Europa League knockout game against Midtjylland – the tireless midfielder was loaned out to Portuguese top-flight side Estoril in 2023/24, featuring 28 times in the league and helping them reach their first cup final in 80 years.
Departing Sporting for Southampton at the age of 20, Mateus ranked in the top 10 for duels won (208) across his 36 appearances in the Premier League and produced six goal contributions (two goals, four assists) - including a stoppage-time strike in their 3-1 defeat in N17 – in 2024/25.
A constant presence in midfield throughout his maiden season in England, he stood out to claim Southampton's Player of the Season award before joining West Ham at the end of August, 2025.
Mateus made his Hammers debut two days after signing and was ever-present in the Premier League from that point onwards, adding another 36 appearances to his tally.
With a strong defensive work-rate and ball-carrying ability, the all-round midfielder was a standout performer as he finished joint-fifth for most tackles (103) in the league and chipped in with three goals and four assists last term. He also won West Ham’s Goal of the Season award for his superb long-range attempt in a home win over Sunderland in January.
Representing Portugal at every age group from Under-18s through to the Under-21s, his excellent form at club level earned him a call-up to the senior squad in March, 2026, and made his first and only cap to date as a late substitute in a 2-0 win over the USA on 1 April.
Welcome, Mateus!
More than just ticket access, One Hotspur Membership is designed to bring supporters closer to the Club through exclusive content, unforgettable experiences and rewards throughout the season.
New for Adult One Hotspur+ Members
This season, we've enhanced our Adult One Hotspur+ Membership with exciting new benefits that offer even greater value and keep fans connected wherever they are.
Adult One Hotspur+ Members will now receive:
• Unlimited access to The Athletic, giving supporters award-winning football journalism and in-depth Spurs coverage throughout the season (worth £25).
• SPURSPLAY Subscription, unlocking live pre-season matches, exclusive documentaries, behind-the-scenes content and much more (worth £45).
• Free Downloadable Digital Matchday Programmes, allowing our fans to enjoy exclusive Club content, interviews and features from all home league matches, giving you a lasting keepsake from every home fixture (worth £43.50 for 19 home Premier League matches)
Together, these new additions ensure members can stay connected to the Club every day of the season, both on and off the pitch.
More Magic for Junior Members
For our youngest supporters, One Hotspur Junior Membership continues to create unforgettable memories.
Junior Members will once again have the chance to become a matchday mascot, receive a free Spurs goody pack and enjoy exclusive experiences designed especially for young fans.
New for 2026/27, Junior Members will also receive a free digital photo during Stadium Tours, alongside our popular Kids Go Free offer, creating even more opportunities for families to enjoy Tottenham Hotspur Stadium together.
More Than Membership
At the heart of One Hotspur is the opportunity to experience the Club like never before.
Throughout the season, we'll continue to deliver more than 150 One Hotspur Moments, offering members the chance to enjoy exclusive experiences including:
• Meeting First Team players
• Behind-the-scenes visits to the training ground
• Signed merchandise giveaways
• Exclusive Club events and many more unforgettable experiences throughout the season!
Whether you're cheering from the stands, following from afar or introducing the next generation of Spurs supporters to the Club, One Hotspur Membership helps bring you closer to the moments that matter.
Joining us from Feyenoord in July, 2025, at 19 years old and embarking on her first adventure in England, the Japan international needed little time to settle into her new surroundings and make an impact at such a young age.
Composed on the ball and solid at the back, Toko took to the Women’s Super League like a duck to water, receiving endless amount of praise for her performances and that was reflected by being named in the WSL Team of the Season – just our second player to have been selected after Grace Clinton in 2023/24.
The 20-year-old went on to play a total of 19 games across the campaign, missing just three matches with two of those coming in March while she was on international duty with Japan, helping them to glory at the Asia Cup.
In November, just two months into her maiden season, Toko set a new record with the club in the WSL and wrote her name into the history books when she became our youngest-ever goalscorer in the competition, finding an equaliser as we came from behind to beat Liverpool 2-1 at Brisbane Road.
She went on to add to her tally on the final day of the season with a spectacular 35-yard strike to once again come from behind to defeat Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 at the Amex Stadium as we recorded our best-ever points tally in the WSL and joint-highest finish in the competition.
Building a strong partnership with Clare Hunt in our backline, she recorded an 88.7 per cent pass success rate in the WSL, the second highest in our squad to her fellow centre-back and eighth overall in the league.
Despite excelling at her defensive responsibilities, she wasn’t afraid to get on the ball and advance forward, successfully completing 75 per cent of her dribbles in all league matches throughout the campaign.
Gallery | Koga's first season in Lilywhite in photos
As part of the agreement, Betano becomes the Official Partner for our Men’s First Team for the 2026/27 football season. Following the 2026/27 season, the partnership will evolve, with Betano transitioning to become our Official Betting Partner in Europe & LATAM through to 2029.
Through the partnership, Betano will feature on media backdrops and on our training kit (2026/27 season only) in the lead up to men’s fixtures, as well as having a presence on pitch side LEDs and big screens during matches at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The Club will also work with Betano on providing engagement opportunities and exclusive experiences for our supporters throughout the upcoming season.
Ryan Norys, Chief Revenue Officer, Tottenham Hotspur, said: "We're pleased to begin this long-term partnership with Betano as we look ahead to the start of a new football season with great excitement. From our earliest conversations, it was clear we had a shared vision for what a modern sports partnership should look like, one that creates unique experiences for our supporters while making a positive impact beyond football by striving to help enhance knowledge around responsible gambling.”
Julio Iglesias, Chief Commercial Officer at Kaizen Gaming, said: "Tottenham Hotspur is one of the world's most recognised football clubs, combining sporting ambition with a global fanbase and one of the Premier League's most influential digital platforms. Both Tottenham Hotspur and Kaizen Gaming share the same belief that the strongest partnerships create value far beyond brand visibility; they create better experiences for supporters.
“This partnership marks another important milestone in Betano's long-term investment in European football and the Premier League. As we continue to expand internationally, Tottenham Hotspur's global reach, digital leadership and ambitious outlook make the Club an ideal partner for the next stage of our growth. We look forward to building a successful partnership together over the next three years."
Betano is committed to delivering safe, responsible betting experiences across all markets in which it operates.
For the 2026/27 season, our training range will be sold without the training wear partner logo which is excluded from Retail inventory for the coming season.
Senegal looked to be cruising into the Round of 16 as goals from Habib Diarra (25 minutes) and Ismaila Sarr (51) had them seemingly in complete control in Seattle.
It all changed in the final five minutes of normal time as Romelu Lukaku flicked home for 2-1 on 86 minutes before Youri Tielmans rose to beat goalkeeper Mory Diaw to Leandro Trossard's cross and the ball floated into the empty net.
The game looked to be heading to a penalty shoot-out before being decided by a spot-kick in the last seconds of extra time. Tielmans went down under Lamine Camara's challenge, the penalty was awarded after a VAR check and Tielemans stroked into the top corner.
There was still one last chance for Senegal as Pape lined up a free-kick, central, 20 yards out in the final seconds - however, he fired over, the full-time whistle blew and Belgium secured a Round of 16 tie against either USA or Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The versatile defender returned to Thomas Tuchel's line-up at right-back but England were left stunned as Brian Cipenga fired the African side in front after just seven minutes.
DR Congo held that lead until the 75th minute when skipper Kane - our all-time leading goalscorer - headed home from Anthony Gordon's cross, finally beating goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, who had produced heroics to keep England out until then.
Mpasi could do little about Kane's winner 10 minutes later, a stunning strike rifled into the top corner from 20 yards - Kane's 84th for his country, 58 as a Spurs player.
That sets up a mouth-watering Round of 16 clash against co-hosts Mexico at the famous Azteca in the early hours of Monday (1am UK).
The Club was represented by our legendary Ambassador, Ossie Ardiles, at a ceremony organised by Scarborough & District Civic Society held at Bill’s first home, 15 Vine Street, where the plaque is now installed.
The event was attended by local dignitaries, members of Bill’s family – including daughters Jean and Linda - representatives of the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust, members of local Official Supporters’ Clubs and local residents.
A blue plaque is a permanent historical marker installed on a building to commemorate a notable person, group, or event connected to that specific location. It turns everyday streets into living history by linking familiar places to the stories of people who lived or worked there.
Scarborough & District Civic Society has installed plaques throughout the seaside town and commissioned a Heritage Trail for visitors to explore the area’s history.
Bill was born in Scarborough on 26 January, 1919, and first arrived in N17 in 1936 for a trial with the Club aged 17.
It would begin 68-year association with Tottenham Hotspur – first as a player, making 341 appearances between 1938 and 1954, and a member of Arthur Rowe's 'push and run' team that clinched the Division Two title in 1949/50 and our first Division One crown in 1950/51.
As manager, he won eight major trophies and led the Club through the 'glory, glory' years of the early 1960s, clinching an historic 'double' of the Football League title and FA Cup in 1960/61, retaining the FA Cup in 1962 and securing Britain's first European title, the Cup Winners' Cup, in 1963. We lifted the FA Cup again in 1967, the League Cup in 1971 and 1973 and the UEFA Cup in 1972 - all under Bill's leadership.
Leaving his post in 1974, Bill soon returned as Chief Scout and remained in our scouting set up until his retirement in 1997. Awarded the MBE in 1975, he was named Club President in 1991 and received the Freedom of the Borough from Haringey Council in 1998.
Bill sadly passed away in 2004 and will always be known as Mr Tottenham. His legacy lives on in N17 - the famous Bill Nicholson Gates that stood proudly outside White Hart Lane for generations were last year reinstated to the new stadium environs.
The initiative to have a blue plaque dedicated to Bill installed in Scarborough was driven by the Supporters’ Trust, who led on a fundraising campaign to which the Club, Bill’s family and many of our supporters contributed.
Speaking at the plaque unveiling, Ossie said: “I am extremely proud to have represented the Club here today on this special occasion.
“Bill was a consistent presence around the Club throughout my time as a player and later as Manager - following in the footsteps of Bill into that dugout was certainly one of the greatest honours of my career.
“The ‘Glory, Glory Years’ that he led us through continue to set the blueprint for what this great Club will always strive to be in the present day and long into the future.
"We are delighted to see Bill recognised in his home town of Scarborough, where he should rightly be celebrated as one of its most notable sons. A huge thank you to the Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust and Scarborough & District Civic Society for their work on this project.”
Adrian Perry, President of the Scarborough & District Civic Society, said: “We are an entirely voluntary group of people concerned with preserving Scarborough’s unique heritage and public awareness of that heritage. The Blue Plaques are an ideal way to engage with people – I see them as small windows on history. We are excited to unveil this new plaque to commemorate the life of Bill Nicholson.
"A Spurs supporter who bought a copy of the civic society publication, ‘Blue Plaques in Scarborough’, was surprised to find that Bill did not feature among the notable figures, so we researched his connection with Scarborough.
“In the early 1990s, 15 Vine Street was a livery stable with dwelling accommodation attached. His father, Joseph, worked as the driver of a horse-drawn landau. Bill used to love helping his Dad care for the horses.
“Bill always remembered his Scarborough roots. Throughout his time as player and manager, he returned to the town every year to spend his summer holiday with his mother and sister.”
Bill’s daughter, Linda Feldeisen, said: “It’s amazing to see so many people here today and nice to know that when people visit Scarborough and find out about its history, they will now get to see a blue plaque for my Dad.
"We would come to Scarborough every year for our family holidays – we wouldn’t go anywhere else – and enjoy our time on the beaches like any family would.
“One of my parents’ favourite places in Scarborough was Peasholm Park – my Mum loved it so much that she called the family home in Tottenham, Peasholm.”
Roy Beck, Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust, said: “It’s an honour to be here on behalf of the Supporters’ Trust. When we were contacted by the Civic Society about funding the Blue Plaque for Bill Nicholson, it was something I threw myself into from the beginning.
“To see it unveiled and be here where Bill began his life is very special. We all know the contribution he made to the Club and I’d like to thank everyone involved in making this happen.”
With special thanks to David Duggleby Auctioneers & Valuers, current owners of the property at 15 Vine Street, for their support for the blue plaque and hosting today’s event.
It all starts this time with DR Congo and England’s first Round of 32 match in the World Cup at Atlanta this evening (5pm UK).
England were eliminated on penalties in the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup and Euro 96 (both Germany), the Round of 16 of the 1998 World Cup (Argentina), quarter-finals of Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup (both Portugal) and the quarter-finals of Euro 2012 (Italy).
Then, in 2018, it all changed.
Gareth Southgate’s team took on Colombia in the Round of 16 of the World Cup. The game finished 1-1 – Harry Kane on target – and fans wearing the Three Lions no doubt started to watch between their fingers.
Three Spurs players stepped up in that shoot-out – Harry Kane, Kieran Trippier and Eric Dier.
Colombia scored their opener, Harry converted again and was followed in by Marcus Rashford for 2-2. Colombia made it 3-2, Jordan Henderson missed, Colombia missed, ‘Trips’ scored for 3-3 and Jordan Pickford then crucially saved from Carlos Bacca.
That meant Dier had the chance to change the script – and did just that, firing low beyond David Ospina’s dive to win it 4-3 – England’s first shoot-out win at the World Cup and first in a major finals since beating Spain in the quarter-final of Euro 96 – 22 years earlier.
Speaking to us on the eve of the tournament, Eric – 365 appearances for us, 2014-2024, capped 49 times – gave us his memories of that moment
What's it like to score the decisive penalty in a shoot-out for England at the World Cup?
Eric: "This is not the answer you were looking for, but there's a really good lesson in this which really describes the world of football right now. I scored the winning penalty in that knockout match, it's true, yet I didn't play a lot in that World Cup. I was very lucky. I captained England at that World Cup, against Belgium. Individually, I'd say that was more special to me than scoring the penalty, especially with all the (Spurs) boys there, although I didn’t enjoy playing against Mousa!
"What I always think about is when I came home, people would say ‘you were unbelievable at the World Cup’ but the thing is, I barely played. I obviously came on and scored the winning penalty against Colombia, but I didn't play a lot - but I scored the winning penalty, and that resembles a lot of what football is right now – the perception – the perception versus reality. So, I always think about that. People come up to me and say, ‘you were so good at the World Cup’ and I think... ‘I didn't really play a lot’, but I scored that penalty.
"It was an incredible feeling, collectively. It was much more special collectively than individually for me, because we hadn't won a penalty shoot-out for ages (22 years) - we hadn't won a knockout game for ages, and we knocked down those two walls in that moment. Collectively, that was so special for us. That was really what was... you know, a great relief, I think, collectively, to have broken down those barriers. We put so much effort into that collectively as a team. The English national team wasn't looked at in the way it's looked at now. We spent a lot of time trying to identify the team with the nation and that kind of thing.
"I've actually always been very confident taking penalties. That wasn't a very good penalty, by the way! I was at Matt Doherty’s after the Champions League Final, we were talking about penalties and my penalty wasn’t a very good one, but it beat the goalkeeper. It was an interesting psychological exercise because, obviously, as a country, there was this huge thing around penalties, but I didn't feel that at all, and I think part of that was because I'd grown up somewhere where there wasn't that feeling towards it. Growing up in Portugal, it was actually the opposite - they'd always been very confident around penalties.
"If you ever spoke to Harry Kane, he'd always ask about it. I'd always practise penalties all the time, just for fun more than anything. Then I'd watch him, and from him, I'd learn how to have a routine. I'd speak to Harry a lot about penalties. So, I had a routine. It was different standing there on the half-way line waiting for my turn, but once I got there and entered my routine, I was actually very calm. I felt like I could faint while I was standing watching the penalties, but once I was there taking it, I actually was pretty calm.
"When I look back at the World Cups I was involved in (2018. 2022), what was special was being part of a group that every day was working really hard together collectively towards something. So, at that World Cup, I think about Danny Welbeck, the way he used to train every day when he wasn't playing at all. Fabian Delph, myself, how we used to play head tennis in the gym every day at the hotel - those are the things that I think about, and being there with Harry, Kieran Trippier, Dele, John Stones – being with your mates, basically, at the World Cup. Those are the things that are special to me - I don't really think about my penalty at all."
