João Aurélio

Nacional

Born in Beja, Aurélio began his professional career with lower league club S.C. Penalva do Castelo. In the 2008–09 season, he moved straight into the Primeira Liga with Madeira's C.D. Nacional, managing ten league appearances in his first year and scoring in a 2–1 away win against C.F. Os Belenenses on 26 April 2009. In the following campaign, Aurélio started impressively, netting twice against Sporting CP in the opener – once in his own net – and S.C. Olhanense, both 1–1 draws. Additionally, he scored in the UEFA Europa League 4–3 home defeat of FC Zenit Saint Petersburg (eventual 5–4 aggregate win). Aurélio continued to be an important first-team element in the following six top-division seasons, appearing in 149 matches and scoring in a 3–0 victory at Rio Ave F.C. on 28 September 2013. He also featured regularly as a right-back.

Vitória Guimarães

On 9 June 2016, Aurélio signed a two-year contract with Vitória de Guimarães, where he had played youth football from ages 17 to 19. He totalled 62 games for the side, including four in their run to the final of the Taça de Portugal, but was unused in the decisive match that the team lost 2–1 to S.L. Benfica. Aurélio started in a 3–1 defeat to the same opponent in the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira on 5 August 2017.

Moreirense

Having turned down the chance to play in Croatia for HNK Hajduk Split, Aurélio moved to Vitória's neighbours Moreirense F.C. on a two-year deal on 20 June 2018. In his…

After good performances for Nacional, Aurélio was called up to the Portugal under-21 side by Oceano for 2011 UEFA European Championship qualifiers. In the 81st minute of the match against Lithuania, he came on as a substitute for S.L. Benfica's Fábio Coentrão and headed in the final 4–1 three minutes later.

As of 7 June 2021

Aurélio's twin brother, Luís, was also a footballer and a midfielder. They were teammates at Nacional.