Many clubs envy Paris St. Germain for Vitinha, including Real Madrid. Now the Portuguese player has announced that he will not be joining Los Blancos—and also spoke about the secret of his success.
Real Madrid could use a shot of creativity in central midfield, as has become apparent once again in the team’s recent games. No wonder they are said to have their eye on Vitinha from Paris St. Germain. The 26-year-old is strong in tackles, bursting with ideas and also dangerous in front of goal.
But Real will apparently have to cross Vitinha off their list. In an interview with Canal 11, he left no doubt that his future remains in Paris. “It would be stupid to leave,” he said. “I really enjoy being here at PSG, and so does my family. We have a fantastic team and an incredible coach.”
Vitinha, whose contract runs until 2029, also ruled out a move to Saudi Arabia. “Let’s not be naive. I’m more interested in a stable career. I already earn very well here in Europe at a big club. Doubling or tripling that salary wouldn’t make me any happier,” said the midfielder, who has scored six goals and provided ten assists in 37 competitive games this season.
For many, Vitinha is currently considered the most complete midfielder, and it is no coincidence that he finished third behind Ousmane Dembelé and Lamine Yamal in the 2025 Ballon d’Or vote, thus also being voted best midfielder. “I don’t like to say that I’m the best. That sounds arrogant, because it’s always just an opinion,” Vitinha said. “But I know that I belong to this group.”
A group that, for him, also includes Pedri. “He’s magical. It’s spectacular to watch him play. When you play against him, you understand that even better,“ said the PSG player. Atletico’s Koke also recently praised the Barcelona player. ”If he’s not the best in the world, he’s certainly one of the best,” he said after the 3-0 win at Camp Nou. To Vitinha’s list of the best midfielders in the world, “I would add Joao Neves and Bruno Fernandes,” he said, naming two compatriots, one of whom, Joao Neves, is also his teammate at PSG. “Those two, along with Pedri and me.”
Vitinha’s evolution and the giraffe comparison
Like Pedri (1.74 meters, 60 kg), Vitinha (1.72 meters, 64 kg) also belongs to the small and lively category. He has tried to adapt his physical attributes to the demands of modern soccer. He underwent constant development and drew a comparison—and that to the tallest land animal of all.
“I had to play with foresight, position myself differently, look before receiving the ball. I don’t necessarily seek contact, but I can’t be useless either,” he explained. “Giraffes have long necks to reach the highest leaves. It was an evolutionary process to achieve this.”
