SPORTS NEWS.

A Portugal international at the age of 18, He made his debut with the country's shirt against Egypt, in a 2–0 win home friendly. Ever since the 2006 FIFA World Cup he became a regular call-up.

On 31 May 2008, Moutinho registered his first goal for Portugal in their 2–0 friendly victory over Georgia at Estádio do Fontelo in Viseu. He was picked for the squad-of-23 for UEFA Euro 2008 and, in the opening game, assisted on a goal by Raul Meireles, in a 2–0 victory against Turkey.

He also played in two UEFA European Under-21 Football Championships, scoring against Germany in the 2006 edition, played on home soil,[5] as the Portuguese exited in the group stage on both occasions.

Although not part of the provisional 24-player list for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa,[6][7] Moutinho was named in a backup list of six players.