Born in Santa Rosa de Viterbo, São Paulo, Cardoso began his career at Comercial where he spent three years until joining Estrela Amadora.

In 2008, during the winter transfer window, he moved abroad for the first time in his career to join Pandurii Târgu Jiu in Romania.

Following a short stint at Russian club Alania Vladikavkaz in 2012, Cardoso returned to Brazil joining Esporte Clube Vitória.

In 2015, at the age of 30, Cardoso signed a one-year to play for Tractor Sazi of Tabriz in the Persian Gulf League.

[2] On 13 July 2015 Cardoso signed a one–year contract with Persian Gulf Pro League club Tractor Sazi.