Dirceu

In his early career, Dirceu played for Coritiba, Botagofo (1971–1975), Fluminense (1975–1977) and Vasco da Gama in his country, before spending one year in Mexico at América. In 1979, he signed for Spanish side Atlético Madrid, where he remained until 1982, playing 84 games and scoring 18 goals. In 1982, he signed for Italian team Hellas Verona, the first of five Italian Serie A teams which he changed yearly (the last being Avellino in 1986–1987), before returning to Vasco da Gama. In 1988 Dirceu played in the USA for Fort Lauderdale Strikers, and in 1989–1991 he played again in southern Italy, this time for Ebolitana (1989–1992) and Benevento (1991–1992). His last teams was Atlético Yucatán in Mexico, where he ended his career in 1995.

Dirceu won 44 caps (14 non-official), between June 1973 and May 1986, with the Brazil national team, scoring seven goals. He played for Brazil at the 1974, 1978, and 1982 FIFA World Cups. He was due to go to the 1986 edition of the tournament, but was ruled out by injury. He played 11 games and scored three goals in his World Cup appearances. Brazil finished fourth in 1974, while in 1978, he won the Bronze Ball and was named to the team of the tournament after helping Brazil to a third-place finish. He also took part at the 1972 Summer Olympic Games with Brazil.

The Ebolitana named its arena at Eboli the Stadio José Guimarães Dirceu in his honor.

Coritiba

Campeonato Paranaense: 1971, 1972 Fluminense

Campeonato Carioca: 1976 Vasco da Gama

Campeonato Carioca: 1977, 1988 Hellas Verona

Coppa Italia runner-up: 1983 Brazil

FIFA World Cup: third place 1978, fourth place 1974 Individual

1978 FIFA World Cup: All-Star Team 1978 FIFA World Cup: Bronze Ball South American Player of the Year: Bronze award 1978 Serie A Team of The Year: 1986