He is the younger brother of poet João Cabral de Melo Neto (1920–1999) and the cousin of sociologist Gilberto Freyre (1900–1987).

Cabral de Mello studied the philosophy of history in Madrid and London.

Afterwards, Cabral de Mello worked as a diplomat for the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 1962 until his retirement.

In 1975, Cabral de Mello released his first book, Olinda restaurada: guerra e açúcar no Nordeste, 1630-1654.

Since then he has written several books, including O negócio do Brasil: Portugal, os Países Baixos e o Nordeste, 1641-1669.