“I’ll do anything to have him”: Real Madrid fans rave about one player after Portugal-Germany Nations League semi-final

“I’ll do anything to have him”: Real Madrid fans rave about one player after Portugal-Germany Nations League semi-final

In what was supposed to be a titanic clash between two European heavyweights, Portugal’s dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Germany in the UEFA Nations League semi-final was packed with thrilling moments. But beyond the scoreline and Portugal’s place in Sunday’s final, one name has stolen the headlines among Real Madrid fans — Vitinha.

The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder didn’t start the game, but when he entered the fray in the 58th minute, everything changed. His impact was immediate, and his influence was undeniable. Within minutes of his introduction, the midfield battle tilted heavily in Portugal’s favour. Vitinha didn’t just play well — he dictated the tempo, outclassed Germany’s midfield, and ignited Portugal’s turnaround.

Social media was ablaze with praise for the 24-year-old maestro. Real Madrid fans, still digesting the imminent departure of Luka Modrić, could hardly contain themselves. The Croatian legend may be nearing the end of his glittering Bernabéu chapter, but in Vitinha, many fans see a natural heir.

“If I have to sign just one player for Real Madrid, I think I will sign Vitinha,” one Madridista wrote on X (formerly Twitter), summing up the collective sentiment. Another simply said, “I’ll legit do anything for us to get Vitinha.”

And it wasn’t just empty praise. Vitinha’s stats from the match backed the hype: he completed over 90% of his passes, created multiple chances, and constantly pressed to win back possession. His agility, vision, and composure stood out in a game filled with elite-level talent.

Fans on Real Madrid fan forums and Tribuna’s comment section took it even further. Some compared him to Modrić directly. “He’s Modric’s replica. Let’s get him at any cost, please Papa Perez,” one fan pleaded, tagging club president Florentino Pérez in a desperate appeal.

It’s not the first time Vitinha has impressed on a big stage, but this performance has elevated him into a new realm of admiration — especially for fans hungry for midfield stability after Toni Kroos’ retirement and Modrić’s likely exit. As the club transitions into a new era, supporters are eager to see another technician in midfield — someone who doesn’t just play the game, but controls it.

Some fans drew comparisons to Real Madrid’s current young talents. Arda Güler, who is yet to fully break into the starting XI, was mentioned repeatedly. One fan commented: “Let’s stop this self-deception. Güler cannot transform into a player like Vitinha or Modrić.“

Others were more diplomatic, noting that Vitinha and Güler play different roles, but even then, the tone was clear: Vitinha is what Real Madrid need now. A few even went as far as suggesting Pérez should “break the bank” and pay up to €150 million to secure his signature.

Of course, there’s the elephant in the room: Vitinha currently plays for PSG. And prising top talent away from the French giants is never easy, especially given the frosty relationship between the two clubs in recent years. But for Madridistas, it’s a challenge worth embracing.

“This Vitinha guy is the ideal replacement for Luka Modric. We don’t have his caliber among our midfielders and we need such a player who controls the tempo.” wrote another passionate fan, highlighting the growing desperation among the fanbase to address what they see as a glaring gap.

Yet not all voices were in complete agreement. A handful of optimistic supporters urged the club to remain patient with Güler, suggesting that with time, the Turkish playmaker could blossom into something special. Still, those calls were drowned out by the overwhelming wave of Vitinha love.

His composure under pressure, ability to glide past markers, and his innate understanding of when to speed up or slow down play reminded many fans of a young Luka Modrić. And with the midfield likely to undergo significant changes in the upcoming season, timing couldn’t be more perfect for such a player.

What Vitinha did against Germany wasn’t just a masterclass — it was a statement. A declaration that he belongs at the very top of European football. And if Real Madrid want to remain dominant both domestically and in Europe, players like him are no longer just a luxury — they’re a necessity.

As Portugal prepares to face Spain in the Nations League final, Madrid fans will no doubt have their eyes glued to one man in red and green. They’ll be hoping that Vitinha can produce another world-class display — and maybe, just maybe, plant another seed of desire in the minds of Real Madrid’s decision-makers.

Because for many fans, one thing is clear: Vitinha isn’t just the player they want — he’s the player they need.