Marinho was very successful at Flamengo from 1980 to 1984. His Flamengo debut came in a scoreless draw in a friendly against former club São Paulo. Marinho played alongside Zico, Júnior and Leandro and was part of the team that won the 1981 Copa Libertadores de América and 1981 Intercontinental Cup. Marinho and centre-back partner Mozer were in the starting lineup in the third and decisive match against Cobreloa in the 1981 Libertadores final. Three weeks later the same defense faced and defeated Liverpool. Marinho was also involved in the 1980, 1982 and 1983 Brazilian Championship-winning teams.