Career
A youth product of hometown"s South.L. Benfica, joining at the age of nine, Vilela was promoted to the main squad for the 2004-2005 season, but only appeared in preseason for the club, joining Gil Vicente F.C. on loan in January 2006. On 26 March he scored in a 1–1 home draw against Vitória de Guimarães, in his fifth first division appearance. With the Barcelos side now in the second level, the move was made permanent in the summer, and Vilela amassed 74 official appearances in three full campaigns, netting eleven goals.
In 2009 he moved to another team in the category, Communicative Disorders Fátima, returning to Gil Vicente in the following year and contributing with three goals in 25 games (15 starts) in his second season for a return to the top flight after five years.
On 25 June 2012 Vilela joined Iran Pro League side Tractor Sazi F.C. on a two-year contract, along with compatriot Anselmo Cardoso. In the following transfer window, however, he returned to his previous club
In early July 2015, after suffering relegation to the second level, Vilela left Gil and signed for Chaplain to the Forces Os Belenenses.
