After making a name for himself at Benfica, appearing in 101 official games over three seasons, he went on to spend the vast majority of his career in Spain, representing Betis, Osasuna, Almería and Alcorcón.

[8] Battling with Damià for first-choice status throughout the vast majority of the campaign,[9] he netted on 20 December in a 4–0 away victory over Hércules CF,[10] his first goal in over four years.

On 4 December 2011, in one of his first bench appearances, he was caught on camera talking to his previous side Osasuna's assistant manager Alfredo, leading to rumours that he was filtering his team's lineup to the opposition, which was denied by both parties.

[13][14] On 11 February 2012, in his first match for the Verdiblancos upon his return, Nélson scored from long distance in the 90th minute of a 2–1 home defeat of Athletic Bilbao.

[15] On 28 January 2013, days after being released by Betis, Nélson moved to Italy's US Città di Palermo, agreeing to a contract until June 2015[16] and rejoining his former Benfica teammate Fabrizio Miccoli.

[18] He subsequently returned to Palermo, but was immediately deemed surplus to requirements and was not even called up for pre-season camp; his link was terminated by mutual consent in August 2014.