[2] Born in Setúbal, Formosinho spent most of his career with local Vitória Futebol Clube, making his Primeira Liga debut during 1974–75 and finishing the season with only two league appearances.
In 2003–04 he was also part of José Mourinho's coaching staff at FC Porto, with the campaign ending in national championship and UEFA Champions League conquest.
Santa Clara in the second division, being appointed for the last seven rounds and helping the financially troubled Azores club finally avoid relegation, winning three games, drawing one and losing three.
[9] Formosinho was appointed as head coach of Malaysian club Kuala Lumpur FA for the 2015 season,[10] being relieved of his duties after less than three months in charge due to poor results.
[11] In the summer of 2016 he again paired with Mourinho, acting as his assistant at Manchester United;[12] in November 2019, they re-joined at fellow English Premier League team Tottenham Hotspur,[13] with Formosinho leaving on 6 August 2020.