Ballon D’Or: Portugal Manager Martinez Names Cristiano Ronaldo’s Team-Mate As Favorite To Win Award

Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has backed midfielder Vitinha as a future Ballon d’Or winner, praising his pivotal role in Paris Saint-Germain’s historic Treble-winning season.

Vitinha was instrumental as PSG secured the Ligue 1 title, lifted the Coupe de France, and thrashed Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League final.

Speaking to A Bola after Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Germany in the UEFA Nations League on Wednesday night, Martinez said Vitinha deserves recognition as the world’s best player.

He said: “Vitinha is a player who has been essential for PSG to win everything they have won.

“He deserves to be awarded the Ballon d’Or.”

Vitinha’s PSG teammate, Ousmane Dembélé, is currently seen as the frontrunner for this year’s Ballon d’Or award.