Biography
Who is Miguel Vítor?
Early life and career
Miguel Ângelo Leonardo Vítor was born in Torres Vedras, Portugal. He began his football path within the S.L. Benfica youth system. After advancing through the junior ranks, he made his first-team debut in August 2007. This opportunity arose due to injuries affecting key defenders Luisão and David Luiz. During that period, he gained experience in both the Primeira Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
In early 2008, he moved on loan to C.D. Aves to gain more playing time. He later returned to Benfica to participate in their campaigns. By July 2010, the defender secured a loan move to the English club Leicester City. He played for the Championship team throughout that season, marking his time there with his first professional goal against Barnsley at Oakwell in November 2010.
Time in Greece and Israel
Following his departure from Benfica in 2013, he signed with the Greek club PAOK FC. He quickly became a first-choice defender for the squad in Thessaloniki. Over the course of his time there, he helped the team secure a third-place finish in the 2014–15 season. His contract concluded in the summer of 2016.
On July 1, 2016, he joined the Israeli Premier League club Hapoel Be'er Sheva. He immediately found success, winning the national championship in his first two seasons with the team. Eventually, he took on the role of captain for the squad. He has since accumulated over 275 competitive appearances for the club, winning multiple domestic trophies including the State Cup and the Israel Super Cup.
International representation
Early in his career, he represented Portugal at various youth levels. This included 33 total caps, starting with the under-18 team in 2006. His final appearance for the Portuguese youth setup occurred with the under-23 team in March 2011.
In 2021, he expressed an interest in becoming an Israeli citizen to play for the national team. His application received support from the Israel Football Association and was approved by the government in May 2022. He made his debut for Israel on June 2, 2022, in a match against Iceland for the UEFA Nations League.
Personal life
Miguel Vítor has lived in Israel since 2016. He moved to the country alongside his wife and their three daughters. His naturalization process generated some public discussion regarding the specific criteria for citizenship, though he successfully joined the national team roster as planned.
Birthday and age
Miguel Vítor was born on June 30, 1989, which makes Miguel 37 years old today. That birthday falls under the Cancer sign. Miguel shares the date with 52 other famous people.
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