By Martin Graham
The year 2025 has been nothing short of transformative for Portugal and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha.
At 25, he was at the heart of PSG’s most successful campaign yet, guiding the club to a treble that included their first-ever Champions League trophy. His influence extended beyond club football, as he also played a key part in Portugal’s Nations League triumph, converting his penalty in the decisive shootout against Spain.
His achievements were recognized on the global stage when he finished third in the Ballon d’Or voting, trailing only Ousmane Dembélé and Lamine Yamal. Vitinha is now widely regarded as one of the premier midfielders in world football and is expected to feature prominently when Portugal meets the Republic of Ireland in their upcoming World Cup qualifier.
It marks a stunning turnaround for a player who once found it hard to make an impact during a loan stint at Wolves just four years ago.
Early promise and a difficult English chapter
A product of Porto’s academy since 2011, Vitinha broke into the first team in January 2020, making his senior debut against Gil Vicente. He featured eight times that season as Porto secured the league title. Due to financial circumstances, he joined Wolves on loan that summer, with the English club holding a £17 million option to buy.
Upon his arrival, Wolves’ leadership described him as a key addition, while Portuguese journalist Nuno Barbosa drew comparisons between him and João Moutinho. Yet, those lofty expectations were not immediately met.
The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted his adaptation period, and with Moutinho and Rúben Neves already occupying midfield roles, opportunities were limited. When he did play, he was often shifted 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, he appeared 22 times for Wolves, with his standout moment being a spectacular 35-yard strike in an EFL Cup tie against Chorley Town — his sole goal for the club. When the season ended and Bruno Lage replaced Nuno Espírito Santo, Wolves opted not to activate the purchase clause. Vitinha later reflected on the experience as a period of growth that reignited his determination upon his return to Portugal.
Return to Porto and breakthrough season
Back at Porto for 2021-22, Vitinha initially featured from the bench but steadily secured a regular role in Sergio Conceição’s midfield. Operating deeper on the pitch, he excelled as the season progressed.
He played 47 matches as Porto claimed both the league title and domestic cup, scoring in the latter’s final. His performances earned him a place in the league’s Team of the Year and the Young Player of the Year award, alongside his first senior international call-up for Portugal in March 2022.
His impressive form inevitably attracted major European clubs, and by the summer he completed a £34 million transfer to PSG, signing a five-year deal.
Adapting to Paris and flourishing under Enrique
Vitinha’s first season in Ligue 1 presented new challenges. Although he played 48 times in all competitions and PSG won the domestic championship, Christophe Galtier’s star-heavy side — built around Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappé — required him to take on a more defensive role. Reports of a training ground clash with Messi surfaced but were firmly denied by Vitinha.
Everything changed with Luis Enrique’s arrival in 2023. With Messi and Neymar moving on, Enrique implemented a more possession-oriented system that suited Vitinha’s style. He thrived, earning spots in both the Champions League and Ligue 1 Teams of the Season as PSG collected a domestic treble. He also represented Portugal at the 2024 European Championship.
By his third year in Paris, he had become the team’s conductor, setting the rhythm in midfield and initiating attacks with his passing. He completed more passes than any player in PSG’s victorious Champions League campaign and set up Désiré Doué’s second goal in a commanding 5-0 final win against Inter Milan.
Recognition and leadership on the International stage
Luis Enrique has praised Vitinha as “the perfect midfielder,” a sentiment reflected in his Ballon d’Or recognition. His growing influence is equally evident with the national team, where he has earned 31 caps and become a regular in a talent-packed midfield.
Portugal currently leads their World Cup qualifying group with maximum points from their opening two fixtures, ahead of home matches against the Republic of Ireland and Hungary.
For Vitinha, 2025 has been a year of vindication and glory — a dramatic transformation for a player who once struggled to make his mark in England but who now stands among the finest in world football.
