Career
A goalkeeper, he was best known for his successful spell at, being nicknamed Zé Gato (Joe Cat). He appeared in 299 official games with the club, winning 11 major titles. Born in Arrentela, Seixal, Setúbal, José Henrique first played at Amora Football Club (three seasons), then with Seixal F.C. and Atlético Clube de Portugal (one apiece), all clubs in the Lisbon area.
Subsequently he signed with local South.L., where he would remain the following 13 years – he had already played youth football there for two years.
He also had a short stint with the Toronto Metros, in the North American Soccer League. From 1979 to 1982 Henrique competed in the second level, with Communicative Disorders Nacional (two years) and South Carolina (U.S.) Covilhã, retiring at 39.
Still active he became a manager with his last team, subsequently returning to where he went on to work as a goalkeeper coach with the youth sides. José Henrique played 15 times for Portugal, his debut coming on 10 December 1969 in a 0–1 friendly defeat with England.
The peak of Henrique"s international career was at the Brazil Independence Cup in 1972, where he helped the national side finish second to the hosts, only succumbing to a last-minute goal (0–1).
During his career, however, he suffered stiff competition from Sporting Clube de Portugal"s Vítor Damas.