After a spell in Campeonato Carioca for Volta Redonda in 2009, Dedé was loaned with a buy-out clause to Vasco da Gama.
He played very well and after a string of solid and impressive displays, became the defensive backbone of Vasco da Gama, becoming a fan favourite, heavily cheered by the club's supporters.
In 2011, formed a rock solid duo with Anderson Martins that won the 2011 Copa do Brasil, with both players being elected the best central defenders of the 2011 Campeonato Carioca.
[6] He later had his transfer blocked by FERJ, main football institution from Rio de Janeiro, the state of his former club Vasco da Gama.
[11] On 25 July 2011, after numerous great performances with Vasco da Gama, Dedé debuted with the Brazil national football team at the friendly match against Germany, on the first call by the coach Mano Menezes after their elimination in the 2011 Copa América., On 18 August, Dedé was selected again, this time for the friendly match against Ghana.
[12][13] On 15 October 2013, in a 2-0 friendly win against Zambia played in China, Dedé scored the second goal, heading in a free-kick cross by Neymar.