Miguel Vítor

Benfica

Vítor was born in Torres Vedras, Lisbon District. Having been promoted from S.L. Benfica's junior squad for the 2007–08 season, he made his debut for the first team in August 2007, appearing in both the Primeira Liga, against Vitória de Guimarães, and the UEFA Champions League, facing F.C. Copenhagen in the third qualifying round; this was because habitual starters Luisão and David Luiz were sidelined with injuries. Like Romeu Ribeiro, Vítor was loaned to Liga de Honra side C.D. Aves in January 2008 until the end of the season. Subsequently, he returned to Benfica, being relatively used in his first full campaign. In early July 2010, Vítor joined English Championship club Leicester City in a season-long loan, teaming up with compatriots Moreno and manager Paulo Sousa. He made his debut on 21 September in a 2–1 win over Portsmouth in the third round of the League Cup at Fratton Park. On 6 November he scored his first professional goal, heading from a Martyn Waghorn free kick after 18 minutes in an eventual 2–0 victory against Barnsley at Oakwell. On 19 December 2010, Vítor suffered a pulled hamstring in a 3–0 away defeat to Ipswich Town, being sidelined for three months. He netted twice on his return, a 3–0 win at Scunthorpe United on 12 March 2011. Vítor subsequently returned to Benfica, being completely ostracised by manager Jorge Jesus and even being demoted to the B team. After he refused to renew his contract, he left in late May 2013.

PAOK

On…

Portugal

Vítor earned 33 caps for Portugal at youth levels, starting with a 2–1 win for the under-18s against Ukraine in Montemor-o-Novo on 30 November 2006; he scored the opening goal. His final appearance was his sole game for the under-23 team on 23 March 2011, a 3–2 victory over an Italian Lega Pro XI in Trapani.

Israel

In October 2021, Vítor declared his wish to naturalise himself as an Israeli citizen and to play for the national team, a decision supported by Austrian manager Willibald Ruttensteiner. Israel Football Association chairman Oren Hasson sent the player's official application to the government – the Minister of Culture and Sport Hili Tropper recommended it to the Minister of Interior Ayelet Shaked, who granted Vítor's application to become a citizen on 1 May 2022. Vítor's naturalisation was criticised by some in Israel as motivated only by his footballing ability. His case was contrasted with that of African-American Jewish basketball player Jared Armstrong, who was refused citizenship despite his religion and was only given a temporary residency permit. Vítor made his debut on 2 June 2022 at the age of 32 years and 11 months, starting in a 2–2 home draw against Iceland in the UEFA Nations League.

Club

As of match played 22 May 2022

International

Vítor resided in Israel since 2016, having moved to the country along with his wife and three daughters.