 In the 2003–04 season, at the age of 28, Lito made his Primeira Liga debut, with Moreirense FC.After suffering relegation in his second year he stayed in that level, signing for Associação Naval 1º de Maio.Aged 32, Lito joined Académica de Coimbra, enjoying his best seasons in his first two years (a combined 17 league goals, including a hat-trick in a 3–3 home draw against C.F.