Estrela da Amadora as a winger, having previously spent five years at Sporting CP's youth system and being released for being too short.

[5] On 30 April 1999, he made his first-team debut by playing 17 minutes in a 2–1 away loss against Boavista FC, then added 28 Primeira Liga appearances in his only full season as the capital club retained its top-division status.

[20] A Portugal international since making his debut against Italy on 12 February 2003,[7] Miguel was a member of the squad when the country hosted UEFA Euro 2004.

Initially a backup to Paulo Ferreira, coach Luiz Felipe Scolari made him the starting right-back in a reorganised defence after a 2–1 loss to Greece in the opening game;[21] he withdrew injured in the first half of the final, a 1–0 defeat to the same team.

[24] Picked for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa – in spite of an irregular season at Valencia – Miguel was one of three right-backs used during Portugal's four games in the competition, appearing in the group stage 7–0 win over North Korea.