PSG superstar names Barcelona legend as his role model: ‘The one who inspired me the most’

2025 has been a memorable year for PSG and Portugal midfield superstar Vitinha, as he won a plethora of titles with the club and achieved a podium finish in the Ballon d’Or race.

More recently, the 25-year-old player was named Best Midfielder of 2025 at the recent Globe Soccer Awards gala held in Dubai, where Barcelona also enjoyed a lot of success.

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Vitinha idolises Andres Iniesta

Being linked with a move to Real Madrid of late, Vitinha revealed in a recent interview with MARCA (h/t Mundo Deportivo) that former Barcelona midfielder and club legend Andres Iniesta has been one of his role models.

“Without doubt, the one who inspired me the most was Iniesta. Andres Iniesta was always my great reference,” noted Vitinha.

The 25-year-old Portuguese international also named Real Madrid legend and current AC Milan player Luka Modric as another of his references.

Andres Iniesta is Vitinha’s biggest inspiration. (Photo by Kenta Harada/Getty Images)

“And then Luka Modric, of course,” he added.

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Only last week, Vitinha had also spoken highly of current Barcelona rising superstar Lamine Yamal and Pedri, while also hoping to reach the level achieved by Xavi Hernandez and Iniesta in his career.

“If Joao [Neves] and I finish our careers and are placed on the same level as Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta, it would be fantastic,” he had said.

Meanwhile, during the aforementioned interview, Vitinha also gave an insight into what Barcelona legend and current PSG manager Luis Enrique asks of him on the field.

“There are many, many things that we train every day and that we already know we have to do, but what can never be lacking with Luis Enrique is commitment. In that respect, nobody can fail him,” stated the midfielder.