Carlito began his football journey at the recently created club in his city, CA Penapolense, alongside his older brothers Dirceu and Nena. He played for the club in countryside competitions until 1950, when he transferred to Bandeirante de
Birigui, his first professional club. He played for Portuguesa Santista until joining São Paulo FC in 1958, a club where he played 20 matches. Returned to Portuguesa Santista in 1959, he won the "Blue Ribbon" for the club. He was traded to CD Oro in Mexico as a defender, but there he changed his style of play and became a forward. ==Managerial career==