Born in Pontevedra, Galicia, Ufarte moved with his family to Brazil at a young age, playing in the country with Clube de Regatas do Flamengo (two stints) and Sport Club Corinthians Paulista and earning the nickname "O Espanhol" (The Spaniard in Portuguese) during his spell. In 1964 he returned to his homeland, signing for Atlético Madrid and making his La Liga debut on 13 September in a 3–1 home win against Real Betis, helping the team to an eventual runner-up position.