Image Source: Aleks Klosok,Amanda Davies
Key Takeaways:
- Vitinha, a midfielder for Portugal, is motivated to win the World Cup for his country and as a tribute to his late friends, Diogo Jota and André Silva.
- Portugal is considered one of the top teams in the world and has a realistic chance of winning the World Cup, according to Vitinha.
- The team’s success will depend on their ability to perform in high temperatures and manage the demands of an expanded tournament.
- Vitinha has thrived under the management of Luis Enrique at Paris Saint-Germain, becoming an integral figure in the team’s setup.
- The midfielder is focused on building on the team’s success and aiming for even grander ambitions, rather than resting on their laurels.
Introduction to Vitinha’s World Cup Campaign
When Portugal begins its World Cup campaign in Houston on June 17, two names will be at the forefront of midfielder Vitinha’s mind: Diogo Jota and André Silva. Memories of their sudden, tragic passing a mere six months ago remain raw for the humble, dignified 25-year-old who was a close friend of the brothers. As Vitinha told CNN Sports, "It’s difficult to talk about it… Nobody wants to be in this kind of situation. It was a sad and tragic loss for everyone." The brothers’ enduring memory will be a source of personal and collective motivation as Portugal goes for glory at this summer tournament.
Motivation and Determination
Vitinha hopes to realize his dream of winning the World Cup, following the nightmare exit he and his compatriots experienced at the last World Cup in Qatar. He acknowledges that, on that particular day, the Atlas Lions "deserved it, they were better" but is full of praise for how he and his teammates have bounced back since then, underlined with a statement victory against Spain in last summer’s UEFA Nations League final. As he says, "We feel this and we want to win it, not just because it’s a World Cup and it’s everybody’s dream, but for him as well." Vitinha is confident that Portugal is one of the best national teams and has a realistic chance of winning the tournament, stating, "We are one of the best national teams there are, so of course it’s realistic… We have to keep our feet on the ground. We have to think it’s not easy to do it."
Challenges and Difficulties
The World Cup will bring its own set of challenges, including high temperatures and the addition of more fixtures courtesy of an expanded tournament. Vitinha himself had first-hand experience of the challenges to come having played a prominent role in the Paris Saint-Germain team that reached the final of last summer’s inaugural 32-team FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. As he recounts, "I loved it there, but it’s really difficult with the heat and charge of the games that we have throughout the season to be there to have to win every game, to do our 100% in every duel, in every game, in every ball." The team that will be most prepared for it physically and mentally will thrive, according to Vitinha.
Success at Paris Saint-Germain
Vitinha has thrived under the stewardship of manager Luis Enrique at Paris Saint-Germain, becoming an integral figure in the team’s setup. As he explains, "Luis Enrique comes to the club, changed a lot for the club and for me individually… He’s a genius tactically speaking and technically. I think the most important thing he does is the human aspect, the way that he talks to you, the way that he puts you in a natural way." The team’s success has been clear to see, with six trophies won in the calendar year, including a maiden UEFA Champions League title. Vitinha’s quiet, diligent work rate throughout the campaign was clear to all, and he completed more passes than any other player in their successful campaign.
Looking to the Future
Vitinha, like his teammates, is far from content resting on his laurels. On an individual level, he scored a stunning first career hat-trick in a 5-3 demolition of Tottenham Hotspur in the league phase in November, a performance which prompted Tottenham manager Thomas Frank to back the midfield maestro to win next year’s prestigious Ballon d’Or. While he acknowledges the historic efforts of 2025, the Portugal international has now challenged PSG to build on its success and aim for even grander ambitions as Les Parisiens look to become a mainstay in world soccer’s elite. As he says, "What’s done is done. We should get the good things from it… We have to concentrate in the future. We’ll have time to see and to enjoy the past, but I don’t think getting us in the past will help us now."
https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/13/sport/soccer-vitinha-portugal-psg-world-cup