In 1948 he transferred to Boca Juniors in Argentina, but returned to Brazil the following year, winning the 1949 Campeonato Carioca with Vasco.

He was left off of the Brazilian team that took part at the 1950 FIFA World Cup on home soil, however, as he was considered to be past his prime.

[1][4] Described as a "tall and elegant striker" by Christopher Atkins of Bleacher Report,[4] and as "Brazil's Pelé in the 40s" and "the prince of Rio" by Jonathan Wilson of The Guardian,[2] De Freitas is regarded as one of the most talented footballers of all time, and was known for his entertaining playing style, although he was also a perfectionist and a highly competitive player, who often served as a captain.

Despite his temperament, he struggled to cope with pressure at times, and had difficulties with controlling his nerves and temper, which occasionally led him to commit rash challenges; moreover, he was notorious for his lack of discipline, poor work-rate, inconsistency, and rebellious character, which caused him problems with his managers, teammates, opponents, and officials, and as a result, he was frequently sent off and suspended throughout his career due to his involvement in several controversial incidents and altercations.

"[2] In Colombia a Colombian writer and sports reporter Andrés Salcedo wrote a Book namely El día en que el Fútbol Murió: Triunfo y tragedia de un dios (meaning: "The day when football died: Triumph and tragedy of a god") including Heleno de Freitas as the main character.

[15][16][17] In 2012, Brazilian filmmaker José Henrique Fonseca released a film based on the life of Heleno de Freitas.

[18] The film's focus is more on Heleno de Freitas' personal life, particularly his decline into ether addiction and mental illness, rather than presenting his achievements on the football field.