After five successful years in his native Brazil with Corinthians, Internacional and Flamengo, Baiano moved abroad, joining Bundesliga's VfL Wolfsburg and scoring 11 league goals in his sole season, upon which he returned to his country with São Caetano.

In January 2005, Baiano signed for La Liga side Málaga CF,[1] netting on nine occasions to help the Andalusia team reach a mid-table final place.

During that summer, he left for Celta de Vigo:[2] during his spell in Galicia, the club would participate in the UEFA Cup but also be relegated to Segunda División, with the player contributing with 32 goals in 80 official appearances in the process.

[3] Upon Celta's relegation, Baiano agreed to a three-year contract with Real Murcia, for approximately €5 million.

In June of the following year he moved to another side in the city, Al-Wahda SCC, penning a two-year contract for €5million – the player originally requested a three-year deal for €9m.