Cristiano Dias began his playing career in his native Brazil, and has played for several lower-division Brazilian clubs, including São Carlos, São Bento, Osasco, and Desportivo Brasil Cristiano Dias signed with Miami FC prior to its inaugural season in the USL First Division in 2007, having previously played for the team's original head coach Chiquinho de Assis, and became a mainstay of the team's defensive line.

On March 22, 2011, Cristiano Dias signed with NSC Minnesota Stars of the North American Soccer League.

[1] and also won the NASL championship in the same year being one of the most important player in the Minnesota defensive line.

After nearly 100 appearances with Minnesota United, Cristiano Dias signed with NASL expansion side Puerto Rico FC on March 30, 2016.

[2] 2011 North American Soccer League season Champion with Minnesota United FC 2012 North American Soccer League season Runner Up with Minnesota United FC 2014 North American Soccer League season Spring Season Champion with Minnesota United FC 2016 Copa Luis Villarejo Champion with Puerto Rico FC 4. https://www.besoccer.com/player/cristiano-225121 5. https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/minnesota-stars-fc-re-sign-defender-cristiano-dias/n-4551752 6. http://mnu.ezitsolutions.net/awards-and-accolades 7. https://www.epluribusloonum.com/2019/12/16/20995889/2012-minnesota-stars-fc-starting-xi 8. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/11/sports/soccer/carmelo-anthony-puerto-rico-fc.html?_r=2&referer=http://m.facebook.com