He was a member of the Brazilian squads that won the 1997 Copa América and that reached the final of the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France.
[1] He began his football career in 1985 in his native town, and was discovered by Vasco's manager who proposed that he join the youth team for a test.
When Vasco's senior goalkeeper Acácio left the club, Carlos Germano became the number 1 immediately.
He went to receive all of the club honours and was chosen top goalkeeper of the Brazilian Championship in 1997.
After retiring at the end of the 2005–06 Portuguese season, he subsequently embraced a career as a goalkeeping coach.