His first season as a senior would be spent with semi-professional Anadia FC, in 2001–02, after which he played two years with Académica's reserves in the third division; his debut with the first team arrived late into 2002–03.
[1] Piloto was used irregularly in his first years with the main squad (six Primeira Liga appearances, then 25 and nine), definitely becoming an important part in 2007–08 and scoring his first league goals the following campaign in home matches against C.D.
[4] In June 2009, having rejected offers for a new deal,[5] Piloto moved abroad and signed a three-year contract with Iraklis Thessaloniki F.C.
At the end of July, during pre-season training, he suffered a tear in the ligaments of his left knee following a strong challenge by Matías Lequi, being sidelined for six months;[6] the surgery took place in his country, being performed by FC Porto's medical staff.
[7] After failing to make a single appearance, Piloto returned to Portugal and signed a two-year deal with top flight club S.C.