Victor Orta whilst in charge at Sevilla
Victor Orta whilst in charge at Sevilla
Victor Orta has lived football’s highs and lows intensely, but director of football, best known for his time at Leeds United, says both the game and life itself have changed him.
In a candid interview with AS Galicia, Orta reflected on who kept him grounded amid promotions, European nights and the praise that followed his most celebrated signings.
“I’ve lost that ego”: Orta opens up on self-awareness
Asked who kept his feet on the ground when success threatened to inflate his ego, Orta didn’t hesitate.
“My wife,” he said. “She’s, my anchor. Anyway, I’ve lost that ego.”
The Raphinha transfer that defined Orta’s Leeds reign
It’s an striking admission from a figure known for his intensity and conviction.
Victor Orta acknowledged that football can seduce even the most self-aware operators, especially when praise arrives from unearthing elite talent.
“Of course, you get those butterflies when you see your name mentioned as the discoverer of so‑and‑so,” he admitted.
“Or someone says to you, ‘Ah, you brought Raphinha (to Leeds), now he could win the Ballon d’Or.’”
From £17m gamble to Barcelona captain
Raphinha
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – 01 11 2026: Raphinha seen celebrating with a trophy during Spanish Supercup Final game between teams of FC Barcelona and Real Madrid
The deal remains one of Leeds United’s finest pieces of business in the Premier League era.
The Brazilian moved to Elland Road from Rennes in a £17m deal in October 2020.
He went on to score 17 goals and register 12 assists in 67 games for the club, including a vital penalty on the final day against Bournemouth in 2022. That helped save Leeds from relegation.
A £50m move to Barcelona that summer followed and after initial struggles, he was voted team captain last season amid a superb campaign that saw him record 34 goals and 25 assists in 56 games and break Lionel Messi’s record for goal contributions in a single Champions League campaign for the club.
He is, perhaps, the standout example of Orta’s eye for value and upside. But he insists that perspective now matters more than personal credit.
“I understand that there are much more important things,” he concluded.
For Leeds fans, the legacy of Raphinha speaks for itself. Orta’s legacy at Elland Road is a different matter entirely.
The Spaniard, though, insists he’s a changed man. Now, the legacy Victor Orta values most may be the one built far from the spotlight.