Ferreira would go on to represent F.C. Paços de Ferreira – also in his country's second level – where he was a key player, spending the following three-and-a-half seasons at Primeira Liga club Vitória de Setúbal. In January 2003 he joined FC Porto, being part of the José Mourinho-led squad that defeated Celtic in the 2002–03 UEFA Cup final, coming on as a substitute for Capucho in the 98th minute. He also featured in several UEFA Champions League matches in the following campaign, but was not selected for the team that won the decisive match, and also added two consecutive league championships during his time with the northerners, wearing jersey No. 78 due to his birthyear.