Born in Nova Iguaçu, Rio de Janeiro, Zinho played club football in Brazil with Flamengo, Palmeiras, Grêmio, Cruzeiro and Nova Iguaçu.
Zinho, born in Nova Iguaçu, Rio de Janeiro, had a soccer career playing for top clubs in Brazil, including Flamengo, Palmeiras, Grêmio, Cruzeiro, and his hometown team Nova Iguaçu.