Born in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Wanderley began his career at CR Vasco da Gama.
[1] He enjoyed a prolific first season, scoring 12 goals in only 16 matches and helping to their first-ever promotion to La Liga.
[2][3] Wanderley made his debut in the Spanish top division on 15 September 1963, in a 4–4 away draw against RCD Español.
[5] Wanderley was an ever-present figure for the Granotes in the following campaigns, scoring a hat-trick in the 4–2 home victory over Atlético Ceuta on 15 January 1967.
[6] He left in that summer, and subsequently represented CD Málaga and Hércules CF, retiring in 1972 aged 34.