A product of Club de Regatas Vasco da Gama's youth system, Helton was part of the Brazilian team in both the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship and 2000 Olympics football tournament. He first attracted attention after winning the Brazilian League and the Mercosur with the club in 2000. In 2002, his contract with Vasco da Gama expired and he signed with Portuguese club UniГЈo de Leiria. At the end of the 2004-05 season, he signed with F.C. Porto.

It seemed the keeper was destined to spend a long time bench-warming, as Porto legend VГ­tor BaГ­a barred his way into the first team. However, Helton got his chance sooner than expected when Dutch coach Co Adriaanse summarily dropped BaГ­a, after a mistake against C.F. Estrela da Amadora cost Porto a goal and defeat.

Initial criticism for what was seen as excessively harsh treatment meted out to the popular BaГ­a by the coach was soon dissipated as a string of assured performances proved Helton was worthy of the number one spot. He celebrated his first year at the club with the domestic double (league and cup).