Born in Lousada, Porto District, Zé Carlos spent most of his youth career with Leixões S.C. before beginning as a senior in the lower leagues with S.C. Salgueiros and Leça FC.
[2] He played his first match in the competition on 28 December, coming on as a 50th-minute substitute for Nuno Sequeira in the 4–1 away victory over Boavista FC.
[5] Zé Carlos spent the following two seasons on loan, at Gil Vicente FC (twice)[6][7] and UD Ibiza (Spanish Segunda División).
[8] In his first spell at the former, he was a key member of a Ricardo Soares-led side that qualified for the UEFA Europa Conference League – first ever in their history – after a fifth-place finish.
[9][7] On 21 June 2023, Braga announced the transfer of Zé Carlos to Gil Vicente on a permanent basis, while retaining 50% of the player's economic rights;[10] he agreed to a three-year deal.