Luis Enrique’s praise highlights Vitinha’s growing influence
Enrique’s comments and what they signal
According to a report from Fabrizio Romano on X, PSG coach Luis Enrique said, “Vitinha has been sensational, as always. Next Ballon d’Or? Well… I hope so.”
The remark, although brief, reflects how consistently Vitinha has shaped games under Enrique, especially in a side that has relied heavily on midfield control to manage high pressure matches.
Enrique has praised Vitinha several times this season for his tempo setting and ability to carry the ball out of tight spaces.
While talk of the Ballon d’Or is clearly aspirational, it signals the degree to which the coaching staff believes his performances are beginning to stand out beyond Ligue 1.
A breakout performance in Europe
Vitinha’s profile rose further following his three goal performance against Tottenham in the Champions League. It was the type of match that shifts outside perceptions, particularly among supporters who often dismiss Ligue 1 as uncompetitive compared with the Premier League.
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Some online reactions captured this sentiment. One fan on X, Marcus Burelius, wrote that critics calling the French league weak went quiet after watching Vitinha dominate against English opposition. Comments like these have become more common as he continues to deliver in Europe.
Vitinha and his rise
Vitinha arrived in Paris in 2022 from FC Porto, and his first season was met with mixed expectations as PSG transitioned through managerial changes and a shifting squad structure.
Under Enrique, however, his role has stabilized. His passing range, pressing intelligence, and improved finishing have turned him into a reliable source of control in midfield.
Analysts in France and Portugal have noted that his recent form resembles the development curve of Bernardo Silva, another midfielder who grew from a technical playmaker into a high influence figure on the European stage.
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