Born in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Dorval represented Internacional and Grêmio as a youth.
[1] After failing to make his breakthrough, he moved to lowly locals Grêmio Esportivo Força e Luz [pt], where he made his senior debut.
He began the 1957 season on loan at Juventus-SP, but returned to Santos after three months as a replacement to Alfredinho, who signed for Grêmio.
[2] Dorval subsequently established himself as a regular starter for Peixe, being a part of the Os Santásticos squad which won several titles and was widely known in the whole world.
[6] Dorval played 13 matches for the Brazil national team, being called up for the 1959 South American Championship in Argentina and making his full international debut on 10 March 1959, in a 2–2 draw against Peru at the Monumental de Núñez.