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.
Born and raised in Lisbon, Vilela, a product of S.L. Benfica's youth academy, was promoted to the senior team in 2004-05, but only participated in pre-season training with the club before joining Gil Vicente F.C.