Born in Rio de Janeiro, Lopes began his career with Botafogo, being an assistant of the club's youth setup, in 1996.
[1] After another spells as an assistant at Fluminense, Goiás, Asteras Tripoli and Atlético Paranaense,[2] Lopes was named Iraty manager in 2008.
[3] After another assistant roles at Palmeiras, Atlético Paranaense and Avaí, Lopes was appointed as Vanderlei Luxemburgo's second at Flamengo.
[4] Lopes resigned on 22 February, after altercations with the board,[5] and joined Luxemburgo's staff at Fluminense.
[7] After failing to avoid relegation he left the club, and was named at the helm of Macaé on 6 April.