Born in Lisbon, José Luís was promoted to hometown's S.L. Benfica's first team at only 18, finishing his first season with 25 matches, 20 starts and two goals as the club won the Primeira Liga championship. Until the end of his tenure he was irregularly used, his best years being 1983 to 1985 as he appeared in 57 games combined – six goals – and won the 1984 league and the following year's Portuguese Cup; he also played the full 90 minutes in the 1982–83 UEFA Cup final's first hand, a 0–1 away loss against R.S.C. Anderlecht (1–2 on aggregate).