Born in São Paulo, Valadares was a Federal University of Minas Gerais alumni and started his career in 2004 as Olympic de Barbacena's fitness coach.
In 2006, after a short spell at Associação Esportiva Santa Tereza, Valadares joined América Mineiro's youth setup.
In 2008 he left the club, and was appointed manager of the under-17 side of Amparense FC, but moved to Ipatinga in the following year.
[6] On 21 April 2019, after Alberto Valentim's dismissal, Valadares was named interim manager of the first team.
[7] His first professional match occurred three days later, a 2–1 Copa do Brasil home win against Santos.