Career
He appeared in 242 Primeira Liga games during 15 seasons, representing mainly Vitória de Guimarães and Benfica. Born in Praia, Cape Verde, Neno started his career with F.C. Barreirense, moving to Vitória de Guimarães in 1984. After one season, already in the first division, he signed with South.L. Benfica, originally backing up legendary Manuel Bento.
After one single season at Vitória de Setúbal and a second spell at Guimarães, Neno re-signed with Benfica, going on to experience an interesting battle for first-choice status with Silvino, who also played with both Vitória sides (but not in the same periods).
He was the starter in most of the 1990-1991 campaign and the entirety of 1993-1994, which finished in league conquest. Subsequently, he continued to work there in a directorial capacity, while also accumulating as Vitória South Carolina"s goalkeeper coach.
Neno gained nine caps for Portugal, his debut coming on 8 June 1989 in a 0–4 friendly defeat with Brazil. His last game was a 2–3 loss to France on 24 January 1996 in another exhibition game, and he would miss selection for Union of European Football Associations Euro 1996 due to having lost the number one position at his club to younger Nuno Espírito Santo.
