Born in Salvador, Bahia, Denílson moved abroad at the age of 20.

He was, however, limited to reserve team football with both Feyenoord and Paris Saint-Germain, and signed with Portuguese club União Lamas in January 1998.

After six years in the United Arab Emirates, mainly at the service of Al Shabab, and a brief stint in the Liga MX with Club Atlas, Denílson joined South Korea's Daejon Citizen initially on a three-month contract, returning later for one 1/2 years.

[1] He helped fellow K-League team Pohang Steelers finish third at the 2009 FIFA Club World Cup, scoring four goals in three games.

[2] On 29 December 2009 Denílson signed for Bunyodkor in Uzbekistan,[3] partnering Rivaldo at that and his following club, Mogi Mirim.