[1] In Benfica's back-to-back Primeira Liga wins from 1971 to 1973, José Henrique was instrumental in helping the squad attain its defensive record: 60 matches with only one loss and 29 goals conceded.

Still active, he became a manager with his last team, subsequently returning to Benfica, where he went on to work as a goalkeeper coach with the youth sides.

José Henrique played 15 times for Portugal, his debut coming on 10 December 1969 in a 0–1 friendly defeat with England.

His last match took place on 13 October 1973 in a 2–2 draw against Bulgaria for the 1974 FIFA World Cup qualifiers – it would also be longtime Benfica teammate Eusébio's last cap.

The peak of José Henrique's international career was at the Brazil Independence Cup in 1972, where he helped the national team finish second to the hosts, only succumbing to a last-minute goal (0–1).