Vitinha: Portugal star’s rise from Wolves struggles to finishing third in Ballon d’Or

The first year in France proved difficult.

While he made 48 appearances in all competitions as PSG won Ligue 1, Christophe Galtier’s top-heavy team, built around Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, did not suit the diminutive midfielder, who had to do more defensive work.

There were even reports of a training ground altercation with Messi, which Vitinha vehemently denied, but things were soon on the up once Luis Enrique took over in the summer of 2023.

With Messi and Neymar having moved on, Enrique opted for a more holistic approach and a possession-based system.

That allowed Vitinha to flourish, as he was named in the Champions League and Ligue 1 Team of the Season as the Parisians won a domestic treble and he then featured for Portugal at the 2024 Euros.

Vitinha’s third season is when he truly became PSG’s midfield maestro however, dictating the tempo of games and starting attacks with his superb passing range.

He completed more passes than any other player in PSG’s successful Champions League run.

He also provided an assist for Desire Doue’s second goal in the stunning 5-0 final win over Inter Milan.