Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has publicly expressed his view that Portuguese midfielder Vitinha did not receive the recognition he deserved in the 2026 Ballon d’Or rankings. Enrique praised Vitinha’s significant contribution to the squad, suggesting his 14th-place finish was an undervaluation.
Enrique’s High Praise for Vitinha
Speaking at a press conference, Luis Enrique highlighted Vitinha’s unique qualities and importance to the PSG team. The Asturian manager described the player’s impact, stating, “What Vitinha brings is so different. It’s a real pleasure to have a player with such physical abilities and that mentality. He’s still looking to improve; he’s at an incredible level.”
Enrique concluded his assessment by directly addressing the Ballon d’Or results: “In the Ballon d’Or rankings, he isn’t where he deserves to be.”
Ballon d’Or Performance and Context
Vitinha finished 14th in the 2026 Ballon d’Or, a notable drop from his 3rd-place finish in the 2025 edition. In 2025, his PSG teammate Ousmane Dembélé was awarded the coveted prize. Despite the lower ranking in 2026, Vitinha enjoyed another strong season, which included winning a second consecutive Champions League title with Paris Saint-Germain.
The midfielder’s consistent performances and his role in PSG’s European success appear to be key factors in his manager’s assessment that his individual accolades should have been higher. Enrique’s comments underscore the high regard in which Vitinha is held within the club, particularly for his blend of physical prowess and mental fortitude on the pitch.