Born in Rio de Janeiro, Juninho started his senior career with neighbouring Serrano in 2007.

Late in the year he moved to Duque de Caxias, and went on to feature regularly for the club in the following seven seasons, only split by a loan deal at América Mineiro in 2013.

[3] One of the spotlights of the 2015 Série B, Juninho signed a contract with fellow league team Bahia.

[4] An undisputed starter for the campaign, he contributed with six league goals in 33 appearances as his side returned to the main category after two years.

On 14 May 2017, Juninho made his Série A debut at the age of 31, starting in a 6–2 home routing of Atlético Paranaense.