Miguelito

José Miguel Organista Simões Aguiar (born 4 February 1981), known as Miguelito, is a Portuguese former footballer. A speedy player, he could operate as defender or midfielder on the left side of the pitch.

He amassed Primeira Liga totals of 220 games and seven goals over the course of ten seasons, representing in the competition Rio Ave, Nacional, Benfica, Braga, Marítimo, Belenenses and Vitória de Setúbal. He also competed professionally in Cyprus, in a 17-year career.

Club career

Born in Póvoa de Varzim, Miguelito joined neighbouring Rio Ave FC's youth system at the age of 10. He broke into the first team eight years later, contributing 26 games in the 2002–03 campaign as the club returned to the Primeira Liga after a three-year absence, as champions.

Transferred to Madeira's C.D. Nacional on 2 June 2005, Miguelito had an impressive first season, not missing one match as the Madeira side qualified for the UEFA Cup (notably scoring against his former team in a 2–0 away win). He was bought by S.L. Benfica on 22 August 2006, having previously been voted the league's best winger by newspaper Record.

Midway through 2007–08, after having managed just three appearances in the Taça da Liga, barred by former Brazilian international Léo, Miguelito joined S.C. Braga in January, on loan. In August, he was released by Benfica and signed a three-year contract with C.S. Marítimo, which had just qualified for the UEFA Cup.

After a good first season, Miguelito fell out of favour and was inclusively demoted to the reserves. In late January 2010, he moved on loan to C.F. Os Belenenses.

Personal life

Miguelito's younger brother, Sérgio Organista, was also a footballer. A youth product of FC Porto, he went on to represent, among others, Pontevedra CF.

Honours

Rio Ave

• Segunda Liga: 2002–03

Moreirense

• Segunda Liga: 2013–14