Born in Luanda, Portuguese Angola, Mendonça started his career with S.C. Braga. In early 1958, the 19-year-old moved to Spain where he would remain for the rest of his playing days, representing Deportivo de La Coruña for a couple of months then signing for Atlético Madrid. He made his debut for the latter club on 14 September in a 2–0 home win against Real Oviedo, scoring the last goal;At. Madrid, 2 – Oviedo, 0; Mundo Deportivo, 15 September 1958 (in Spanish) three days later he was one four players netting braces in an 8–0 trouncing of Drumcondra F.C. for the season's European Cup.At. Madrid, 8 – Drumcondra, 0; Mundo Deportivo, 18 September 1958 (in Spanish)Técnica y magia angoleña (Skills and magic from Angola); Mundo Deportivo, 22 December 2004 (in Spanish)
