Xeka

Braga

Born in Rebordosa, Paredes, Xeka received his nickname from his grandfather for being the youngest of his siblings, just like him. He played youth football with three clubs, including Valencia CF from Spain until the age of 17. Having returned to his homeland, he started playing as a senior with S.C. Braga's reserves in the Segunda Liga, being then loaned for two years to S.C. Covilhã of the same league. On 23 September 2013, whilst at the service of the former side, he scored his first goal in competition, but in a 1–3 home loss against S.L. Benfica B. Xeka started being called to Braga's first team in October 2016, by manager José Peseiro. He made his debut in the Primeira Liga later that month, featuring the full 90 minutes in a 1–0 home win over G.D. Chaves. His fortunes changed, however, when Jorge Simão became the new coach before the end of the year.

Lille

On 31 January 2017, Xeka was loaned to Lille OSC from Ligue 1 until June. He made his debut four days later as a starter in a 1–0 home loss to FC Lorient. He made 13 appearances for the 12th-place team and scored in a 3–0 win at Montpellier HSC on 29 April, assisted by compatriot Rony Lopes. In June 2017, Lille exercised the €5 million buyout clause to make Xeka's move permanent. In the last hours of the summer transfer window, he joined Dijon FCO in the same league in a season-long loan. He became a regular under Christophe Galtier at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy the following year, but suffered…

Xeka earned one cap for Portugal at under-20 level on 5 February 2014, in a 2–0 friendly win over Slovakia under-21 in Marinha Grande. He played the final ten minutes as a substitute for Tomás Podstawski.

As of match played 7 January 2023

Lille

Ligue 1: 2020–21 Trophée des Champions: 2021