After another top-division campaign, with Varzim SC (ended in relegation), Zé António joined Académica de Coimbra[3] and played there from 2003 to 2005, forming an interesting defensive partnership with Tonel – later of Sporting CP – in his first year.

[4][5] Avoiding relegation with Académica at the end of 2004–05, Zé António took advantage of his expiring contract to sign for Borussia Mönchengladbach in the German Bundesliga, on an initial two-year deal.

[6][7] An undisputed starter throughout the 2005–06 campaign,[8] he opened his scoring account in his fourth league match, heading the winner in a 2–1 home win over MSV Duisburg on 10 September;[9] Borussia suffered relegation in 2007.

[13][14] In early December 2009, after having appeared only in one Copa del Rey match for the Cantabrians, against Real Murcia CF,[15] his spell also including a demotion to the B team and legal action undertaken by the player,[16][17] Zé António terminated his link.

[19] Aged 29, Zé António received his first callup for the Portugal national team, being selected by Luiz Felipe Scolari for UEFA Euro 2008 qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Poland.