A former central midfielder, Mazinho played 35 internationals for Brazil national team, winning the 1989 Copa América, 1994 FIFA World Cup and the silver medal at the 1988 Olympics.

Mazinho played with Vasco da Gama, Palmeiras and Vitória in his homeland, with Lecce and Fiorentina in Italy, and with Valencia, Celta de Vigo and Elche in Spain.

Mazinho was a three-time winner of the Campeonato Brasileiro (Brazilian championship) with Vasco da Gama and Palmeiras.

Mazinho earned 35 caps with the Brazil national team, the first coming in May 1989 in a friendly against Peru and the last during the 1994 FIFA World Cup.

In January 2009, Mazinho was appointed head coach of Greek side Aris, replacing Spanish Quique Hernández.