José Hugo played amateur football until an invitation from Nova Mutum arrived in 2021,[1] and he was presented as a part of the squad in June of that year.[2] A regular starter, he renewed his contract on 29 November,[3] but was presented at Azuriz on 18 January 2022.[4]
On 9 April 2022, José Hugo renewed his contract with Azuriz until December 2024.[5] Four days later, he joined Série A side Coritiba on loan until the end of the year.[6]
José Hugo made his debut in the top tier of Brazilian football on 15 May 2022, starting in a 1–0 home win over América Mineiro.[7][8]