 Born in Cantanhede, Coimbra District, Luís Filipe started playing professionally as a right winger with Académica de Coimbra, and had a small abroad stint with Spain's Atlético Madrid, spent entirely with the reserves.Unsettled, he moved to S.C. Braga, where he blossomed as a Primeira Liga player.Luís Filipe's development led to a 2001 transfer to Sporting CP.