[7] Danilo played the full 90 minutes of both legs of the 2011 Copa Libertadores Finals against Peñarol, the first in central midfield and the second at right-back, and scored the decisive goal in a 2–1 victory following a goalless first match.

[10][11] He initially played understudy to Cristian Săpunaru, but soon became first choice, with compatriot Alex Sandro – who signed at the same time – featuring on the other defensive wing as the Vítor Pereira-led team won back-to-back Primeira Liga titles.

[12] Danilo scored his fourth competitive goal of the 2014–15 season on 18 February with a penalty kick to equalise at 1–1 away to Basel in the Champions League round of 16.

[13] On 31 March 2015, it was announced that Danilo would join Real Madrid in July, with the Spaniards paying a €31.5 million transfer fee for his services and signing him to a six-year contract.

[18] In 2016–17, profiting from several physical ailments to Carvajal,[19] Danilo contributed with 17 matches and one goal[20] as the club was crowned La Liga champions for the first time in five years.

[26] On 23 July 2017, Danilo signed for English Premier League club Manchester City on a five-year contract[27][28] for a reported £26.5 million transfer fee.

[32] In the 2020 Coppa Italia Final against Napoli on 17 June, following a 0–0 draw after regulation time, Danilo missed Juventus' second spot kick in the resulting shoot-out, hitting the ball over the crossbar.

[38] Courtesy of his Santos performances, Danilo made his debut for Brazil on 14 September 2011 at the age of just 20, featuring in the first leg of that year's Superclásico de las Américas, a 0–0 away draw against Argentina (2–0 aggregate win).

[41][42][43][44] Danilo was also named in Tite's squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia,[45] making his debut in the competition on 17 June by playing the entire 1–1 draw to Switzerland.

[52] In 2012, Marca compared Danilo to compatriot and fellow right-back Dani Alves, describing him as "a tireless right back with an attacking streak and a polished technique.

He measures 6 feet tall and, in spite of his slender build, does well up top," also dubbing him as being "one of the best right backs of the future," due to his high quality performances at the time.