Palmeiro was born in Arronches, Portalegre District.
For eight years of his senior career he played with Primeira Liga side S.L.
Over the course of nine seasons, he amassed competition totals of 136 games and 41 goals – he also represented Atlético Clube de Portugal in the top division – and won three national championships and as many Taça de Portugal trophies with his main club.
Palmeiro was the first player to score a goal at the original Estádio da Luz, and was also the first Benfica player to do so in the European Cup, in a match against Sevilla FC in the 1957–58 campaign.
[2] On 3 June 1956, Palmeiro earned the first of three caps for Portugal, in a friendly with Spain.