Known only as Júnior during his playing days, he was born in Araraquara, São Paulo, and made his debuts as a senior with hometown's Ferroviária in 1982.

[3] He followed Ferreirão to the likes of Inter de Limeira, Atlético Sorocaba, Guarani, Paulista and Santo André, always as his assistant.

[7] Three days after leaving Figueirense, Júnior was appointed Fortaleza head coach, replacing Zetti.

On 8 May 2007, after impressing with the Azulão during that year's Campeonato Paulista, when the club reached the finals, Júnior was named Cruzeiro head coach.

[19] After not renewing contract with Coxa, Júnior was appointed at the helm of Vasco da Gama on 12 December 2008.

[22] He led the club to the 2010 Campeonato Paulista and 2010 Copa do Brasil titles (with an historical 10–0 win over Naviraiense in the latter tournament) with an extremely offensive football, with Neymar, Paulo Henrique Ganso and Robinho as its key units.

[24] On 21 September 2010, it was reported that Júnior would keep Neymar out of the upcoming match against Corinthians as a punishment for his indiscipline actions.

[26] On 25 September 2010, just four days after leaving Santos, Júnior took over Atlético Mineiro, replacing Vanderlei Luxemburgo.

[27] He managed to avoid relegation with the club, but was sacked the following 7 August, after being knocked out of the 2011 Copa do Brasil and losing the 2011 Campeonato Mineiro.

[29] He won the 2012 Campeonato Gaúcho, and despite struggling with the absence of key players Oscar and Leandro Damião to the 2012 Summer Olympics, he was dismissed on 20 July 2012.

[45] On 27 December 2019, Júnior was appointed head coach of fellow top tier side Athletico Paranaense.

On 7 January 2024, São Paulo released an official note stating that Júnior had left the club to take over the Brazil national team.

[54] On 10 January 2024, the Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed Júnior as head coach of the national side.

[58] Joinville Grêmio Juventude Figueirense Sport Recife Coritiba Vasco da Gama Santos Internacional Athletico Paranaense Flamengo São Paulo