He amassed Primeira Liga totals of 121 games and seven goals over five seasons, with Paços de Ferreira, Boavista (two apiece) and Gil Vicente.

Born in Paços de Ferreira, Cadú began playing professionally with Gondomar S.C. in the Portuguese third division,[2] his solid performances earning him a transfer straight to the Primeira Liga as he signed with another side in the north, F.C.

[3][4][5] After Paços' relegation, Cadú joined Boavista FC,[6] also being first choice – 30 games, two goals[7][8]– in his first year, with the Porto-based club finishing in sixth position.

[10] He scored once in 25 matches in his debut season, for a final third place in Liga I. Cadú became CFR's captain in late 2007,[11] whilst helping the team to three consecutive Romanian Cup titles.

[13] On 19 October 2010, Cadú scored twice in the UEFA Champions League group stage match against FC Bayern Munich, once in his own net, in an eventual 3–2 away loss.