Cristiano was impressive, without being a prolific goal scorer and spent four years with Breda before moving to fellow Dutch side Roda JC.

Cristiano's performances with Breda impressed Roda manager Wiljan Vloet who was desperate to bring the Brazilian to the club.

He played his team debut on 26 August 2006 in the Swiss Cup third round match against local club FC Liestal.

Despite being well known in the Netherlands, he received tentative interest from other Dutch clubs due to his non-EU status requiring a high minimum salary, and began seeking options of regular football elsewhere.

Cristiano moved to Australia to join A-League side Adelaide United at the start of the 2008–09 season.

[6] Cristiano scored his first competitive goal for Adelaide United in Round three against Wellington Phoenix at Hindmarsh Stadium.

During the 2010–11 summer transfer window he signed a two-year contract until 2011–12, with Maltese Premier League club Tarxien Rainbows.

[15] On 15 August 2013, Cristiano arrived in Honduran club Olimpia as a last-minute reinforcement on a free transfer.