Career
Born in Mandaguaçu, Paraná, Alcântara started in Brazil lower leagues. After being top-scorer of the 1984 Campeonato Gaúcho, he joined Internacional, staying two seasons before moving to Portugal, joining Vitória Guimarães. His second year was even better, scoring 15 league goals as Guimarães nearly avoid relegation.
Subsequently he caught the eye of Portuguese powerhouses South.L. Benfica and F.C. Porto.
In what some consider, the beginning of the hatred rivalry between the two. Alcântara chose Benfica and Porto exacted revenge by signing Dito and Rui Àguas.