He spent the vast majority of his career with Porto, where he earned the nickname "Mãos de Ferro" (Iron Hands)[1] and appeared in 296 competitive matches.
Born in Alcochete, Setúbal District, Barrigana started his senior career with Sporting CP, but did not play any games during his spell in Lisbon as he was barred by legendary João Azevedo.
Afterwards, FC Porto's goalkeeper, Hungarian Bela Andrasik, mysteriously disappeared (it was later found out he was an anti-nazi spy who left the country in fear of António de Oliveira Salazar's regime); the club requested that Barrigana be loaned to them, and Sporting obliged.
[2] Shortly after the arrival of Brazilian Dorival Yustrich, the 34-year-old Barrigana was deemed surplus to requirements and released.
[3] Barrigana made his debut for the Portugal national team on 21 March 1948, in a 2–0 friendly defeat against Spain in Madrid.