Of Martin Graham
In 2025 it has been nothing of transformation Portugal and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vittinha.
At the age of 25, he was in the heart of PSG’s most successful campaign, guiding the club towards something that included his first Trophy in the Champions League. Its influence extended beyond the club’s football, as it also played a key role in the triumph of the League of Nations in Portugal, turning its penalty into the decisive shootout against Spain.
His achievements were recognized on the global stage when he finished third in the Ballon d’Or voting, only Ousmane Dembélé and Lamine Yamal. Vitinha is now widely regarded as one of the leading midfielders in world football and is expected to have a prominent way when Portugal is fulfilled Republic of Ireland In his next classification of the World Cup.
An impressive change is marked for a player who once had a hard time having an impact during a loan Wolves Just four years ago.
Early promise and a difficult English chapter
A product of the Porto Academy since 2011, Vitinha joined the first team in January 2020, making his senior debut against Gil Vicente. He participated eight times that season, while Porto won the league title. Due to the financial circumstances, he joined Wolves on loan that summer, with the English club with a purchase option of £ 17 million.
On his arrival, Wolves’ leadership described him as a key addition, while Portuguese journalist Nuno Barbosa made comparisons between him and João Moutinho. However, these high expectations were not fulfilled immediately.
Covid-19 pandemic interrupted its adaptation period and with Moutinho and Rubbish It was already occupied by midfield, the opportunities were limited. When he played, he often moved away from his natural position. His Premier League debut came as a substitute against Sheffield United in September 2020, with his first start arriving months later against Manchester United In December.
In total, it appeared 22 times for the wolves, and its prominent moment was a spectacular strike of 35 gardens in a draw of the EFL Cup against Chorley Town, its only goal for the club. When the season was over and Bruno Lage replaced Nuno Espírito Santo, the wolves chose not to activate the purchase clause. Vitinha later reflected on experience as a period of growth that reigned his determination on his return to Portugal.
Return to Porto and the innovative season
Returning to Porto by 2021-22, Vitinha initially appeared from the bench, but constantly assured a regular role in the middle of Sergio Conciosão. Flowing more deeply on the pitch, he excelled as the season progressed.
He played 47 games, as Porto claimed both the title of the league and the Domestic Cup, marking in the final of the second. His performances earned him a place on the League of Year and the young player of the year, along with his first senior international call in Portugal in March 2022.
Its impressive form inevitably attracted the main European clubs, and in summer it completed a transfer of £ 34 million to PSG, signing a five -year agreement.
Adapting -SE In Paris and flourishing under Enrique
The first season of Vitinha in League 1 presented new challenges. Although he played 48 times in all competitions and PSG won the domestic championship, the heavy side of Christophe Galtier Lionel Messi, Neymarand Kylian Mbappé – He required him to take on a more defensive role. Vitinha denied reports of a training shock with Messi, but was denied by Vitinha.
Everything changed with the arrival of Luis Enrique in 2023. With Messi and Neymar advancing, Enrique implemented a more possession -oriented system that adapted to Vitinha’s style. He prospered, gaining points in both the Champions League teams and the League 1 of the season, as PSG collected a domestic thing. He also represented Portugal in the European Championship of 2024.
In the third year in Paris, he had become the director of the team, setting the rhythm in the middle of the field and initiating attacks with his passage. He completed more than any player of the victory of the PSG Champions League campaign and set the second goal of Désiré Doué in a 5-0 final victory against Inter Milan.
Recognition and leadership on the international stage
Luis Enrique praised Vitinha as “perfect midfielder”, a feeling reflected in his recognition from Ballon d’Or. Its increasing influence is equally evident with the national team, where it has won 31 caps and became a regulars in a midfield full of talent.
Currently, Portugal is leading its World Cup classification group with the highest points since its opening two parties, ahead of the home parties against the Republic of Ireland and Hungary.
For Vitinha, in 2025 it has been a year of vindication and glory: a dramatic transformation for a player who previously struggled to make his mark on England, but who is now among the best in world football.
