A youth product of hometown's S.L. Benfica, joining at the age of nine, Lisbon-born Vilela was promoted to the main squad for the 2004–05 season, but only appeared in preseason for the club, joining Gil Vicente F.C.
The passage describes Vilela's journey from his early days at S.L. Benfica to his eventual move to Gil Vicente F.C., highlighting his youth development and brief stint with the senior team.