Breaking News: Performance that turned doubters into believers.

When Vitinha first arrived at Paris Saint-Germain from Porto in 2022, there was skepticism surrounding the Portuguese midfielder’s ability to shine among the club’s galaxy of stars. Lionel Messi reportedly had doubts about whether Vitinha’s style could complement PSG’s possession-heavy philosophy, especially in high-stakes Champions League matches. But in the 2024-25 season, Vitinha has emerged not just as a starter—but as the heartbeat of PSG’s midfield.

Operating as a deep-lying playmaker, Vitinha has become the crucial link between defense and attack. While he doesn’t boast eye-popping stats like Kylian Mbappé once did or have the flair of Neymar, Vitinha thrives through precision, intelligence, and relentless energy. His understanding of tempo control and positional awareness has added a layer of tactical maturity to PSG’s often chaotic midfield, allowing the team to dictate games instead of merely reacting to them.

In a squad once built around individual brilliance, Vitinha’s rise signals a philosophical shift. Under Luis Enrique’s guidance, PSG have moved toward a more collective, system-driven style of play—and Vitinha embodies that transition. His technical security under pressure, combined with his ability to progress the ball through tight spaces, has made him indispensable in Enrique’s setup.

Most telling is how Vitinha has thrived in matches where PSG previously faltered—tight knockout fixtures in Europe, where his calm and clarity have steadied the side. In the 2025 Champions League quarterfinal against Manchester City, Vitinha orchestrated the midfield with the poise of a veteran, completing over 90% of his passes and dictating the tempo against one of Europe’s most dominant midfields. It was the type of performance that turned doubters into believers.

While Messi’s criticisms—whether whispered or overstated—may have reflected PSG’s old model of midfielders feeding the stars, Vitinha has redefined what a PSG midfielder can be. Not a supporting act to a global icon, but the central cog in a finely tuned machine.

Now, with the club chasing European glory and finally appearing tactically balanced, Vitinha is no longer the peripheral figure trying to fit in among giants. He is the system. And in proving himself, he hasn’t just justified PSG’s faith—he’s reshaped its future.