Vitinha’s Ballon d’Or Ranking Falls as Luis Enrique Defends PSG Midfielder
Vitinha has dropped sharply in the 2026 Ballon d’Or standings, finishing 14th after placing third in 2025. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder’s lower position has prompted a strong response from head coach Luis Enrique, who believes the Portugal international deserved far greater recognition.
Although the final ranking puts Vitinha outside the top 10, Enrique says the midfielder’s influence cannot be measured by individual awards alone. The PSG manager praised his technical ability, physical qualities and importance to the team, arguing that Vitinha brings something distinctive to the side.
From Ballon d’Or podium to 14th place
Vitinha’s 2025 campaign earned him a place among the Ballon d’Or’s leading contenders, with the midfielder finishing third. A year later, he ended up 14th in the final vote—a significant fall for a player who has become an important part of PSG’s midfield.
Several high-profile names finished above him. Rodri placed fourth, while PSG teammate Fabian Ruiz came 10th. Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham was 11th, Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsí finished 12th, and Achraf Hakimi ranked 13th, one place ahead of Vitinha.
The results underline how competitive the award can be from one season to the next. Ballon d’Or voting reflects individual performances, team achievements and the wider narratives surrounding a campaign. A change in ranking does not necessarily mean a player’s value to their club has diminished; it can also reflect the strength of the field and the attention given to other standout seasons.
Luis Enrique says Vitinha deserved more
Speaking about the midfielder’s position, Enrique said he was not surprised by Vitinha’s quality because he works with him closely. However, the PSG manager made clear that he disagreed with the final ranking.
“No, it does not impress me because I know him well,” Enrique said, according to French outlet Foot Mercato. “What he adds to the team is completely different. It is always a pleasure for me to have a player with these technical and physical qualities.”
Enrique also described Vitinha as “incredibly talented” and said he was delighted to have a player of his level in the squad. He added that the midfielder “deserves a better ranking in the Ballon d’Or award.”
The manager’s comments reflect the difference between watching a player’s contribution over a full season and judging performances through a final list. Vitinha’s influence often comes through his control of possession, his movement into useful spaces and his ability to help PSG progress the ball. Those qualities can be essential to a team’s structure without always producing the headline statistics that attract individual-award attention.
Why Vitinha matters to PSG
At his best, Vitinha gives PSG a reliable link between defence and attack. His close control helps him escape pressure in crowded areas, while his passing can keep the team moving at speed or help it settle into possession. He can also contribute defensively by pressing opponents and working to recover the ball.
That combination makes him valuable in different types of football matches. Against teams that defend deep, his ability to circulate possession and find openings can help PSG maintain pressure. In more open contests, his awareness and quick distribution can support transitions and connect midfield with the forward line.
Such work is not always easy to capture in a goal or assist tally. Midfielders who organise play, offer passing options and help teammates perform often make a substantial contribution that is clearer to coaches and supporters who follow the team closely than it is in a simple ranking. Enrique’s defence of Vitinha appears to be rooted in that broader view of the player’s role.
Harry Kane wins the 2026 Ballon d’Or
The 2026 Ballon d’Or went to Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, who claimed the award for the first time in his career. Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé finished second, while Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal took third place.
Kane’s victory gives the season’s leading individual honour to a striker whose performances placed him ahead of an elite group of international stars. Mbappé and Yamal completed a high-profile top three, while Vitinha’s 14th-place finish left him well outside the podium despite Enrique’s belief that he merited a stronger result.
What the ranking means for Vitinha’s season
Vitinha’s fall from third to 14th is a notable change, but it should be viewed in context. The Ballon d’Or is a snapshot of a particular season and voting process, not a complete measure of a player’s ability or long-term importance. His previous podium finish showed that he can attract recognition at the highest level, while his latest ranking highlights how quickly the competition can shift.
For PSG, the more immediate question is what Vitinha contributes on the pitch. If he continues to provide balance, composure and technical quality in midfield, Enrique is likely to keep relying on him regardless of where he appears in award standings. The coach’s public support also sends a clear message: within the club, Vitinha’s value is not defined by a number beside his name.
For fans following football and considering a season prediction for PSG, the midfielder’s role remains an important factor. A team with a dependable player who can control tempo and connect its different units has a stronger foundation for sustained success. Whether future awards reflect that contribution more generously will depend on performances, team results and the narratives that shape the next Ballon d’Or race.
