Born in Rio de Janeiro, Leandro made his professional debuts at the age of 18, with hometown's América Football Club.
He made his league debut on the 15th in a 0–0 away draw against Académica de Coimbra but, failing to adjust, he returned to his country on loan shortly after, spending two years with former team Cruzeiro.
Deemed surplus to requirements at Porto, Leandro continued in the same predicament in the following years, always in his country.
On 4 October 2008, in a match against Clube Atlético Mineiro, he completed 100 official games for Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras, being honored with a No.
100 jersey; subsequently he represented Fluminense Football Club, Vitória[1] and Atlético Mineiro.