At international level, he played for the Brazil national team at the 1990 FIFA World Cup.

[1] He played also in Portugal, where he defended Vitória de Guimarães, SC Farense, and Felgueiras.

At that time he was often called up for the Brazil national football team, but was usually the second goalkeeper after Taffarel.

Zé Carlos died on 24 July 2009 of abdominal cancer, after more than one month at a hospital in Rio de Janeiro.

[2] Flamengo goalkeeper Bruno chose to wear Zé Carlos' name on the back of his shirt for the remainder of the 2009 season.