[3] Born in Aboim das Choças, Arcos de Valdevez,[4] Esteves started his career with ADC Aboim/Sabadim, before joining Porto.

[5][6] He settled well at his new club, and within a week had impressed first-team manager Ruben Amorim enough to secure a place in first team training.

[4][7] Following good performances for the Lisbon side's B team, Esteves was included in The Guardian's "Next Generation" list for 2021.

[10] His Primeira Liga debut came on 18 December, again starting in a 3–0 win at Gil Vicente FC; he had been guaranteed his place by Amorim due to the absences of Pedro Porro and Ricardo Esgaio through injury and COVID-19 respectively.

[14] On 5 January 2024, Esteves joined Eredivisie club AZ Alkmaar on loan until the end of the 2023–24 season, with an option to make the move permanent,[15] reported to be €2 million.