Career
Born in Praia, Zé Rui started playing organized football at nearly 23 years of age, and spent his entire professional career in Portugal, his first club being União Sport Club in the second division. He subsequently represented O Elvas C.A.D. and U.D. Leiria, competing in the second and third levels from 1990 to 1993. Zé Rui made his debuts in the top flight in the 1993-1994 season, starting in 18 of his 21 appearances to help Chaplain to the Forces Os Belenenses finish in 13th position.
After another campaign he moved to Vitória de Setúbal, helping it promote from division two in his first year.
Zé Rui retired in June 2002 at almost 38, after two seasons with amateurs Communicative Disorders Beja. Foreign several years he acted as assistant to the Cape Verdean national team, even being in charge for the friendly with Portugal on 27 May 2006, after Carlos Alhinho"s resignation.
