At 25, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha reacted with rare serenity at a press conference to his third-place finish in the 2025 Ballon d’Or. Grateful to his teammates, the Portuguese player emphasized the importance of teamwork and his constant desire to improve.
Vitinha: “It wouldn’t have been possible without the team’s hard work.”
“Third in the Ballon d’Or?
It’s always very subjective, it depends on opinions. I’m happy, I was happy. It wouldn’t have been possible without the team’s hard work. I’m very happy and grateful to everyone who helped me. Very happy. If one day I can do better, I’ll do even better. Nothing has changed; I’m happier every day. My family and friends too.”
Zidane, who lists me among the best?
He’s clearly a role model for everyone in football, and even more so for a midfielder. He’s still important, I’m happy. I have to keep going. Improve if possible.
Vitinha: “Defensively, I can improve.”
What progress is possible?
Defensively, I can improve because I always try to give the best of myself. Not just in my aggression, but also in duels.
What strengths?
I don’t like to talk about my strengths. Everyone knows what I do best.”
Vitinha has lost none of the modesty that has characterized him since his arrival in Paris. Far from boasting about his place on the Ballon d’Or podium, the 25-year-old Portuguese midfielder speaks above all of hard work and improvement. His speech reveals a player who refuses to be complacent: he cites Zidane as a role model, acknowledges his defensive areas for improvement, and emphasizes team spirit above all else.
This lucidity makes him a pillar of Luis Enrique’s PSG, capable of embodying a more introspective generation, where consistency counts as much as talent. Behind the recognition, Vitinha continues to move forward, aware that his real challenge begins now: to last at the top without losing his authenticity.
