Vitinha Reveals Real Madrid Icon as His Ultimate Football Hero in Candid Confession
Paris Saint-Germain's midfield maestro Vitinha has identified Luka Modrić as one of his "major inspirations" for excelling in the center of the park, alongside Andrés Iniesta.
Vitinha continues to benefit from his outstanding 2024–25 season with PSG. Beyond helping the club secure an unprecedented quadruple that featured their maiden Champions League victory, he also accumulated numerous personal accolades.
The Portuguese star's latest recognition arrived at the 2025 Globe Soccer Awards, where he claimed the Best Midfielder Award. Vitinha encountered Barcelona icon Iniesta at the event and shared a photograph from their meeting on social platforms.
"What fortune I have, elite-level inspiration," the 25-year-old expressed. Vitinha additionally praised Modrić as one of his role models who influenced his playing style.
"Undoubtedly, the player who motivated me most was Iniesta," he revealed to MARCA. "Andrés has always been my primary inspiration. And then Luka Modrić, naturally. Both have consistently served as my major influences."
Vitinha is successfully matching the benchmarks established by two of history's finest midfielders. The PSG sensation placed third in the 2025 Ballon d'Or rankings and secured selection in this year's Best FIFA Men's 11.
He also received glowing endorsement from Modrić following PSG's Champions League victory. The Croatian described Vitinha as "among the finest, possibly the premier midfielder globally," who demonstrates "superb ball control and remarkable vision."
Real Madrid Hunting for the Next Modric, Vitinha
It's evident that Vitinha would represent an ideal acquisition for Real Madrid following Toni Kroos and Modrić's exits in 2024 and 2025 respectively. Currently, however, securing the midfielder remains merely aspirational.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos are examining emerging talent throughout Europe hoping to discover an overlooked, budget-friendly prospect who could address the squad's urgent requirement for a deep-lying orchestrator.
Per AS, 19-year-old Kees Smit has attracted attention from the Spanish powerhouse. The Netherlands youth has compiled 58 senior appearances for AZ Alkmaar and exhibits a "vigor" in midfield that Real Madrid believes would enhance their squad.
Nico Paz remains under consideration as well. Sources suggest the 15-time European titleholders have already resolved to activate the 21-year-old's €9 million ($10.6 million) repurchase option this summer, returning the Como talent to the Spanish capital.