Career
Born in Portimão, Algarve, Pacheco started playing with local Grupo Desportivo Torralta and Portimonense South Carolina, making his debuts in the top division with the latter in the 1986-1987 season. Subsequently, aged just 20, he signed with South.L., going on to remain with the club for the following six years and help to the conquest of four major titles. He was also in the starting XI when the Eagles lost two European Cup finals in three years, in 1988 and 1990.
Pacheco signed with neighbouring Clube de Portugal in the 1993 summer, alongside teammate Paulo Sousa.
From there onwards, however, he received little continuity due to injuries, and played only 50 league matches in five years combined, also representing Chaplain to the Forces Os Belenenses, A.C. (before Christ) Reggiana 1919 and Communicative Disorders Santa Clara. He retired in 2001 at the age of 34, after three seasons in the lower leagues.
In 1996 Pacheco went on trial with Premier League side Sunderland, but was not offered a permanent contract. He amassed Portuguese top division totals of 213 games and 32 goals, during one full decade.
Pacheco gained six caps for Portugal during two years, all as a player.