Vitinha reacts to Ballon d’Or 3rd place finish: “I won’t stop wanting more” | OneFootball

Portugal midfielder Vitinha was recognised for his superb performances with Paris Saint-Germain last season by being named 3rd best player at the Ballon d’Or awards on Monday evening.

Vitinha’s PSG teammate Ousmane Dembele was the winner at this year’s ceremony in Paris, while Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal was runner-up. Fellow Seleção stars Nuno Mendes and João Neves finished 10th and 19th respectively, having helped PSG finally lift the Champions League, as well as Portugal clinch the Nations League in the summer.

“3rd best in the world!” Vitinha posted on social media. “I'm privileged!”

“I'm fortunate to do what I love most every day, supported by a family I love and incredible friends.

Reaching this level is unbelievable.

“Congratulations to our dream team, which was the best of the year yesterday, and, without a doubt, congratulations to my friend @o.dembele7, who is truly the best player in the world!

“Is it hard to do better than this year? Yes, it is. But I don't want to stop wanting more.”

Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, who had to settle for second place, was awarded the Men's Kopa Trophy, which is issued to the best performing under-21 player. Former Benfica man João Neves finished in 3rd place, while FC Porto prodigy Rodrigo Mora was rewarded for his emergence with 8th spot.

At last year’s awards, the highest-placed Portuguese was defender Rúben Dias who ranked 23rd, with Vitinha in 27th having emerged as one of Europe’s best midfielders. In 2023, Bernardo Silva took 9th place after starring for Manchester City in their treble-winning campaign, which saw them lift the Champions League.