Canada-Angola centre-forward Dieu-Merci Michel has joined United FC in the UAE Pro League from Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes. The 22-year-old, who stands at 1.93m and plays predominantly through the middle, makes the switch to the Gulf club after building his career in Portugal.
Michel moves on the back of a breakthrough spell across the Portuguese system, where he featured in the top flight, second tier and domestic cups. A right-footed striker, he accumulated league and cup experience with Vitoria Guimaraes and on loan at Leiria, including outings in Liga Portugal and Liga Portugal 2, as well as an appearance in European competition in the Europa Conference League.
Last season, Michel split his time between Guimaraes and Leiria, scoring in both the league and the Taca de Portugal. Across his senior career in Portugal he has registered goals in every domestic competition he has played in, including play-off and relegation phases, reflecting a gradual rise from youth to senior football.
Born in 2004, Michel first moved to Portugal in 2021, joining Vitoria SC’s under-19 set-up from BTB Academy before progressing to Guimaraes B and then the first team. His most recent loan to Leiria was converted back to a Guimaraes return at the end of last season before United FC stepped in to secure his services.
Michel, whose current market valuation is listed at €500,000, now begins the next stage of his career in the UAE Pro League after completing his transfer to United FC.
