“Not only are you bad, but you’re hurting me.” These words, allegedly from Lionel Messi, were once rumored to have been directed at Vitinha during a tense moment at Paris Saint-Germain. Though Vitinha quickly denied any such confrontation, the story captured a snapshot of the uneasy atmosphere within PSG’s star-studded dressing room. Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappé were reportedly disappointed with the quality of the club’s recent signings, which included Vitinha and Fabián Ruiz two midfielders who would later form the core of PSG’s Champions League-winning team.
At the time, Vitinha was still an emerging talent, just 23 years old, with clear strengths and weaknesses. Physically slight and not especially fast, he nevertheless possessed an intimate, almost tender relationship with the ball. Fast forward to the recent Champions League final in Munich, and Vitinha’s transformation is undeniable. He has emerged as perhaps the most effective central midfielder in the world, a key fulcrum in PSG’s treble-winning squad and an indispensable engine in Luis Enrique’s highly tuned machine.
Vitinha’s journey has been anything but straightforward. Only a few years ago, he was a peripheral figure, making late substitute appearances at Porto, donning the squad number 77 as the “77th-minute guy.” A loan spell at Wolves saw little impact, and the English club declined the option to buy him. For many clubs scouting emerging talent, Vitinha was just another promising player among many, with no obvious signs he would evolve into a game-changer at the highest level.
Yet Vitinha has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to thrive under pressure and make decisive contributions when it matters most. In the recent Champions League final, he orchestrated the opening goal with a perfectly weighted pass to Désiré Doué that accelerated PSG’s tempo and shifted the match’s momentum decisively. He later assisted Doué again, setting up a goal that effectively sealed the victory, showcasing his growing influence on the biggest stage.
Beyond these moments of brilliance, Vitinha’s role extends deeper into PSG’s tactical structure. He is a modern midfield maestro, excelling at controlling the game through patient ball retention and intelligent distribution. His playing style wears down opponents physically and mentally constantly moving, dictating play, and forcing rivals to chase shadows. In the latest Champions League campaign, he completed more passes than any other player and was second only in distance covered, underscoring his tireless work rate and pivotal presence.
Vitinha’s passing accuracy is remarkable. Against Inter Milan, he completed 44 of 46 medium-range passes, many of which initiated swift changes in tempo or quick transitions that unsettled the opposition. This combination of control and dynamic drive marks him as a rare talent: a player capable of both steadying the team and igniting rapid attacks.
This level of command, however, did not come easily. Vitinha’s breakthrough happened after returning to Porto from Wolves, when rumors linked him to big clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal, and Barcelona. PSG, confident in their investment, activated his £35 million release clause. But initial skepticism lingered club insiders expressed frustration that the squad’s overhaul, which saw experienced players leave in favor of Vitinha and others, did not immediately pay off.
The credit for Vitinha’s remarkable development goes largely to Luis Enrique, who has nurtured his potential by allowing him autonomy as a roaming passing hub a “deep conductor” able to shape the game fluidly and creatively. With Vitinha hitting his stride, PSG now seem to have the perfect cog in their finely engineered team, seamlessly integrating technical mastery with tactical intelligence.
Interestingly, Vitinha’s style is somewhat rare in English football, which has struggled to produce midfielders with such pure passing skills. He would have undoubtedly strengthened many English clubs hungry for trophies in recent years. Now, with PSG’s emergence as European champions and contenders for global dominance, Vitinha’s role is more vital than ever. His story is that of a slow-burn talent who has blossomed into a midfield powerhouse, defying early doubts and perhaps, one day, making Lionel Messi look wrong again.
