“Exemplarity is not a way of influencing others. It's the only one “. Borrowed from Albert Schweitzer, these words resonate with force when evoking Vitinha's trajectory. Arrived in the French capital in July 2022 after having made its first classes at FC Porto, the Portuguese international (31 selections) has since changed dimension. Playing master of the collective trained by Luis Enrique, the native of Vila Das Aves has gradually imposed himself as one of the main references to his post.
Vitinha, the real launch ramp
“I do the same job with all the players. We may be talking more about Vitinha because he is one of the best fields in the world, but I am not only focused on him. I work with all the players so that we improve as a team. But yes, he is a player who can make the difference at any time. But we can only be happy to see its evolution as a player ”recognized, as such, the Parisian technician before moving to Lille.
On Sunday evening, on the lawn of Pierre-Mauroy, the European champions in reignings have long displayed a gloomy face against the LOSC of Bruno Genesio (1-1). Deprived of numerous executives (gifted, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia, Neves, Ruiz, Marquinhos) and Orphan of Vitinha, left on the bench at the start, Paris Saint-Germain thus stammered its football. It was also necessary to wait 29 minutes and 50 seconds to see the club of the capital try its luck, that is to say its first late shot in a Ligue 1 match since December 2, 2018 (30th minute vs Bordeaux).
A contribution translated into the figures …
Shaken and lack of offensive ideas for an hour of play, the red and blue finally offered a last half hour much more consistent. A rise in power correlated with the successive entries of Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, author of the opening of the score of a sublime free kick, but also Vitinha … called by his coach to replace Mayulu, the right -hander of 1m72 – who celebrated his 100th match in Ligue 1 – was not long in resuming his standards. As a true PSG metronome, the former Wolves player took the game on his own and carried his own.
Result ? 46 balloons affected, 90% of successful passes and 2 duels won. More than these figures, the Portuguese reminded everyone of its importance, despite the late equalization of Ethan Mbappé. Winner of the French championship, the Champions Trophy, the French Cup, the Champions League but also of the League of Nations, Vitinha, today, settled at the table of the greatest. Just technically, impressive in small spaces and still as accomplice with its partners – starting with Joao Neves and Fabian Ruiz – The Parisian number 17 makes the other best.
… And in the awards
A considerable contribution translated into individual distinctions … 3rd in the last Ballon d'Or just behind his teammate Ousmane Dembélé and the Barcelona, Lamine Yamal, the one who totals 2 goals and 6 assists in 17 games in all competitions since the start of the season was also appointed among the best players in September by UNFP. Present in the typical team of the last Champions League and second best player in the Club World Cup, the Portuguese finally continues high -flying services with disconcerting regularity.
A visual impression which is logically found in statistics … In the 2024-2025 season, Vitinha was the second player to try (5000) and succeeded the most passes (4686), just behind Joshua Kimmich (4974 out of 5387) but ahead of Pedri (3646 out of 4090). Total player, capable of making the difference near the opposing surface, Vitinha remains, moreover, a defensive example. With 300 balloons recovered last season, the Parisian – preceded by Kimmich (311), Bruno Fernandes (346) and Pedri (389) – points at the foot of the podium in Europe. Note, finally, that among all the circles that have evolved in C1 in 2024-2025, Vitinha was the most involved player in sequences leading to a goal (11).
A respected and fulfilled vice-captain
Having become a key element of the Luis Enrique system, Vítor Machado Ferreira did not plan to stop on such a good path. Despite a trying last season and the increased risk of injuries, the pillar of the Parisian collective remains, in fact, a reference on the continental scene. With 1002 balloons affected since the recovery, the highest total in front of Pedri (990) and Van Dijk (876), but also 846 successful passes out of 900 attempted (there too the best ratio), “viti” sublime the game of Ile -de -France. A level of performance facilitated by the excellent relationship he has with his coach Luis Enrique.
According to our indiscretions, the one who was appointed among the vice-capital by the Parisian cloakroom considers, today, the former coach of the Roja as a key element in his progression, appreciating in particular the clarity of his instructions. Technical leader in the field and not hesitating to speak outside, Vitinha finally embodies the collective soul of Paris Saint-Germain. To the delight of the residents of the Parc des Princes, ready to revel in the prowess of their viti, who remember it remains linked to the club until June 2029…
