Born in Cruz das Almas, Bahia, Zé Augusto started his career in Atlético Alagoinhas, and later moved to state giants Vitória in 1981.
He remained in the club for five years before serving loans at Joinville, Confiança, ASA de Arapiraca and River.
[1] Shortly after retiring, Zé Augusto was appointed as a youth manager in his last club Pinhalense.
[1] Shortly after leaving Vitória, Zé Augusto moved to Mogi Mirim, again assigned to the youth setup.
[6] On 12 September, after the dismissal of Paulo Silas, he was appointed as the first-team's caretaker manager,[7] but his reign only lasted one match.