Born in Barreiro, Setúbal District, Chalana began his football career at F.C. Barreirense, then moved to Lisbon neighbours S.L. Benfica in 1974, where he established himself for the following eight years, scoring and assisting alike as he helped them conquer, amongst other accolades, five leagues and three cups.
Aged only 17 (fourth youngest ever), on 17 November 1976, Chalana won his first cap for the national team, against Denmark for the 1978 FIFA World Cup qualifiers - at that age, he became Benfica's youngest player to score a goal at the Estádio da Luz [REF].