After finishing third in the 2025 Ballon d’Or, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha dropped to 14th in this year’s final standings despite another impressive campaign.
The Portugal international was ranked behind Rodri in fourth, Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Fabian Ruiz in 10th, Jude Bellingham in 11th, Pau Cubarsi in 12th and fellow Paris Saint-Germain player Achraf Hakimi in 13th.
Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique believes Vitinha deserved to place higher in the voting, according to French outlet Foot Mercato.
“His position does not surprise me because I know him very well,” Enrique said. “What he brings to the team is completely different. It is always a pleasure to have a player with his technical and physical qualities.”
He added: “He is incredibly talented. I am very happy to have a player of this level, and he deserves a better ranking in the Ballon d’Or.”
Harry Kane, the Bayern Munich striker, won the 2026 Ballon d’Or for the first time in his career. He finished ahead of Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe, who was second, and Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal, who placed third.
