PSG Midfield Maestro Dominates the Season! Vitinha Claims Five Titles and Eyes Ballon d'Or

Portugal triumphed over Spain in a penalty shootout to win the UEFA Nations League title, with three Paris Saint-Germain players becoming five-time champions this season. Among them, midfield engine Vitinha delivered consistently, contributing key assists and maintaining balance on both ends of the pitch, making him one of the season's strongest dark horse candidates for the Ballon d'Or. Against top contenders like Mbappé and Yamal, he stands a real chance to break through based on team success and his pivotal role.

On June 9 (Beijing time), Portugal defeated Spain 5-3 on penalties in the UEFA Nations League final, claiming their second title in the competition's history. In this victorious squad were three PSG players — Gonçalo Ramos, Nuno Mendes, and Vitinha — who have now collected their fifth trophy of the season.

Earlier, the trio had already helped PSG win Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, the Trophée des Champions, and the UEFA Champions League. With the Nations League added to their haul, they now form an elite group of “five-time champions” and could still aim for a sixth title at the Club World Cup later this year.

Among them, Vitinha has been the standout performer, acting as a central figure in midfield. He provided an assist in the Champions League final and has been instrumental for the national team. Though not as statistically flashy as Dembélé or Mbappé, his influence in transitions and game tempo is invaluable — reminiscent of last year's Ballon d'Or winner Rodri.

Should he help secure the Club World Cup title, Vitinha could well surpass star names like Dembélé, Mbappé, and Yamal in the Ballon d'Or race, completing a remarkable dark horse story.