[3] Kerlon first gained prominence after his performances at the U-17 World Cup in 2005, where he scored eight goals in seven games and helped Brazil win the title.
However, a pair of knee injuries ultimately derailed his career, only make sporadic appearances until his retirement in 2017, and never fulfilled his true potential.
[6] While at Cruzeiro, Kerlon became well known for his trademark skill, named the "drible da foquinha" or seal dribble, where the ball is bounced continuously on the forehead while running.
[8] Cruzeiro also announced that the club and third-party owner EMS Sigma Pharma sold 80% rights to Kerlon's agent Mino Raiola for €1.3 million.
[9] He made his début for Chievo on 29 October, against Lazio as a substitute; one of only four appearances that season largely due to a knee injury sustained in March 2007.
[11] Kerlon continued to suffer from knee injuries during his time at Inter which some journalists cite as the reason for his minor impact in the Serie A.
[26] After a spell back in Brazil with Villa Nova where he made three appearances in the Campeonato Mineiro,[27] Kerlon signed for Slovak Super Liga side FC Spartak Trnava on a one-and-a-half-year contract.
Kerlon was the top scorer and named Best Player at the 2005 South American Under 17 Football Championship, scoring eight goals in seven matches and helping Brazil win the tournament.