(foto: Instagram)
After winning Best Midfielder at the Globe Soccer Awards, PSG star Vitinha revealed Luka Modrić and Andres Iniesta as his lifelong footballing idols and sources of inspiration.
Vitinha has officially cemented his place among football’s elite. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder capped off a sensational year by being named Best Midfielder in the World at the 2025 Globe Soccer Awards.
While he missed out on the Ballon d’Or and FIFA The Best awards, the 25-year-old Portuguese international’s performances were pivotal in PSG’s historic treble-winning season. He now finds himself widely recognised as one of the world’s top midfielders.
Speaking in Dubai after receiving the award, Vitinha opened up about the players who inspired his rise to the top. He named Luka Modrić and Andres Iniesta as his footballing role models.
“Without a doubt, Andres Iniesta inspired me the most, he was my biggest role model. And of course Luka Modrić. They are both my big idols,” Vitinha told Marca.
Vitinha’s admiration for Modrić is a reminder of the Croatian legend’s enduring influence. Despite being 39, Modrić remains active at Real Madrid, and his style, grace, and intelligence continue to inspire younger generations—especially those now shining at the highest level.
Vitinha began his career at Porto and joined PSG in 2022. But it’s under Luis Enrique that he has reached his full potential, transforming into the heartbeat of the Parisian midfield in 2025.
His technical brilliance, tactical intelligence, and composure on the ball have drawn comparisons to both of his idols. With his current form and growing maturity, Vitinha could very well follow in their footsteps—dominating the midfield for years to come.