Born in the Porto outskirts of Massarelos, Gouveia played youth football with five clubs, having two separate spells at Sport Clube Senhora da Hora. He made his senior debut with Varzim S.C. in the 1991–92 season, and continued competing in the third division in the following years. From 1995 to 1998, Gouveia represented C.F. União and F.C. Paços de Ferreira, with both clubs in the Segunda Liga. Subsequently, he signed with S.C. Farense, playing his first game in the Primeira Liga on 12 September 1998 against FC Porto. On the last day of the 2000 January transfer window, Gouveia was loaned by C.F. Os Belenenses to Montpellier HSC in the French Ligue 1, alongside teammate Rui Pataca. At the end of the campaign he returned to Portugal, joining Boavista FC; he contributed with eight substitute appearances in his first year, as the Chequereds won their first and only national championship. Gouveia moved to C.D. Nacional in the 2002 summer, proceeding to enjoy his most steady period and leaving after three top flight seasons and competitive totals of 92 games and 12 goals. He signed with Gil Vicente F.C. on a free transfer on 7 June 2005 and, after appearing in just five matches in the first half of 2006–07, with the team again in the second level, he joined F.C. Vizela also in that tier. On 23 June 2007, Gouveia signed a one-year deal with C.D. Aves, recently relegated from the top division. After a spell with amateurs AC Vila Meã, he retired in 2010 at the age of 37.
Coaching career
Immediately after retiring, Gouveia returned to Boavista to manage the junior side. Two months later, he replaced Rui Ferreira at the main squad. From 2011 to 2013, Gouveia worked with Académica de Coimbra under Pedro Emanuel. He was part of the squad that reached their first Taça de Portugal final since 1939, defeating Sporting Clube de Portugal on 19 May 2012. On 20 June 2013, Gouveia was named new head coach of S.C. Salgueiros. He was fired just two months later, following a string of poor results. On 2 December 2014, Gouveia was appointed at the helm of C.D. Santa Clara, following the sacking of Cláudio Braga. His first game in charge took place the following week, and his team defeated Leixões S.C. 2–0 at home. In September 2015, after José Viterbo's resignation, Académica announced the return of Gouveia, this time as the new head coach. His first league match at the helm was at Rio Ave F.C. on the 28th, and he only managed to collect six wins until the end of the season, in an eventual return to the second tier after a 14-year stay. On 3 June 2016, Gouveia was appointed manager of second level club S.C. Covilhã on 3 June 2016. He led the side to the eighth position in his debut campaign, being relieved of his duties on 14 September 2017 due to poor results. In June 2018, Gouveia was hired at Leixões after Francisco Chaló left for Algeria. He was dismissed that 23 December after a 2–1 home loss to C.D. Cova da Piedade with the team in 13th place and in the quarter-finals of the domestic cup.
