Who is Vitinha? Learn about PSG and Portugal midfielder Vitinha, his rise, and finishing third in the 2025 Ballon d’Or.
Portuguese midfielder Vitinha (Vítor Machado Ferreira) has established himself among the globe's top footballers after ranking third in the Ballon d'Or 2025 standings. Paris Saint-Germain talisman Vitinha played a leading role in PSG securing their historic continental treble, including their inaugural UEFA Champions League win, to be hailed as one of Europe's finest midfielders.
Born on 13 February 2000, in Santo Tirso, Portugal, Vitinha was brought up in a footballing family his father, Vítor Manuel, played professionally. Football was a staple at home, and he developed an affinity for the sport. He signed for Porto's academy at the age of 11 and was a member of the team that won the 2018–19 UEFA Youth League. Vitinha debuted at the senior level in 2020 and assisted Porto to win the Primeira Liga title in the same year.
In 2020, Vitinha had a season on loan at Wolverhampton Wanderers and played 22 times across all competitions. While Wolves never made the transfer permanent, the experience hardened him up. In 2021–22, he returned to Porto, became a first-team regular, won the domestic double, and was named Primeira Liga Young Player of the Year.
Paris Saint-Germain activated his €40 million release clause in June 2022. A one-for-the-road player in a side with Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Mbappé, Vitinha soon demonstrated his mettle. By 2024–25, he had risen to become PSG's vice-captain and midfield cornerstone, leading them to a historic continental treble Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and UEFA Champions League.
Vitinha's display in the Champions League final where he helped create the first goal secured him a spot in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Tournament.
Vitinha is known for his passing range, vision, and tempo dictation. In the 2024–25 season, he had completed more passes than any other player in the Champions League and traveled more distance than almost any midfielder in Europe. Luis Enrique has labeled him as "the most complete midfielder in the game today."
Vitinha has played for Portugal in every youth category and made his senior international appearance in 2022. He had 29 caps by 2025, played in the UEFA Euro 2024 and FIFA World Cup, and won the UEFA Nations League trophy with Portugal.
Off the field, Vitinha lives a humble life. He is married to Tatiana Torres, and together they have two daughters named Mafalda and Madalena. Even with his increasing fame, Vitinha is also known to keep his personal life humble and family-oriented and has been seen with emotive moments with his family after major PSG victories.
Thanks to PSG renewing his contract until 2029, Vitinha's salary was doubled, and he now makes about $12.7 million annually, according to Capology. His market value has also risen to $90 million, and he is now considered one of Europe's most valuable midfielders. His net worth is valued at $15–18 million, thanks to endorsement contracts and PSG bonuses.
Coming in third in Ballon d'Or 2025 is the position Vitinha is in within football's world top tier, following winner Ousmane Dembélé. His ascension is PSG's redemption after the Messi–Neymar–Mbappé era, demonstrating that the future of the club is talent, not stars.
Vitinha's tale is one of development, leadership, and reliability from being deemed too light to play top-flight football to being PSG's heartbeat and a Ballon d'Or podium finisher. At 25, his prime years are yet to come.
