Born in Vila Franca de Xira, Lisbon District, José Carlos joined Sporting CP in 1962 from G.D. Fabril in Barreiro.

[1][2] José Carlos retired in 1975 at the age of 34, following a brief spell in the Segunda Liga with S.C. Braga where he achieved promotion.

[2] Shortly after the 1966 FIFA World Cup, Sporting rejected an offer from La Liga club FC Barcelona to acquire his services.

[3] José Carlos played 36 times for Portugal, three as a CUF player and 33 whilst at the service of Sporting.

He appeared twice in the tournament, against England in the semi-finals and the Soviet Union in the third-place match, the latter ending in a 2–1 triumph.