Born in Barreiro, Portugal, he first attracted attention for his local team of Barreirense, (1960–1962 and 1963–1966), and for Seixal (1962–1963).

He won six championships, and was part of the Benfica squad that reached the 1968 European Cup final.

As a Benfica player he achieved the nickname of "Barreiro locomotiv", he was the first wing defender doing the entire corridor.

He had 15 caps for the Portugal national team, scoring 1 goal, and played with the team that reached second place at the Brazil Independence Cup final in 1972, losing only in an epic final with Brazil (1–0), being considered the best wing left defender that year.

The Portuguese team, which was largely composed of Benfica players, including veterans Eusébio and Jaime Graça, and youngsters Humberto Coelho and Jordão, lost the final only at the 89th minute, when Jairzinho finally scored.