Throughout his career, he played as a right-back, mainly with Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas and the Brazil national team.
[1][2][3] In his prime, he was named the best right-back in the world by FIFA.
Josimar won 16 caps with the Brazil national team, from June 1986 to November 1989.
He played three times during the 1986 Football World Cup after an injury to first choice right back Édson.
His two goals for Brazil were memorable, and were scored in his first two international matches, in that tournament.