[12] During the 2012 Copa do Brasil campaign, coach Luiz Felipe Scolari started playing Henrique as a holding midfielder and the player thrived in the new role, with Palmeiras eventually winning the competition.

[14] Palmeiras, however, remained the holder of 80% of Henrique's economic rights, with 20% of any future transfer fee to be paid to unknown parties.

[18] On 21 March 2008, Henrique received his first call up to the Brazil national team after centre back Juan was cut from the squad due to an injury to his ankle.

[20] But on 19 April, as Palmeiras would play against Tijuana the next day, Henrique was cut from the list, and Rodrigo Moledo of Internacional was called up in his place.

[22] On 7 May 2014, Henrique was selected as part of the Brazil squad for the upcoming World Cup, to be played on home soil.

[23] His sole appearance at the tournament was the final two minutes of the quarter-final victory over Colombia, replacing the injured forward Neymar,[24] as Brazil eventually finished fourth.