Leonardo started at the Nova Safra football school in Rio de Janeiro and was raised in the Jacarezinho neighbourhood, which is also the area where Romário spent his early years.

[2] Following the attention the film brought Leonardo, he moved to Rotterdam to play in Feyenoord's youth academy setup at Varkenoord.

[3] Leonardo made his debut for Feyenoord on 19 August 2000 in a 2–0 victory over AZ Alkmaar at the age of 17.

[11] 12 September 2015, Leonardo made his debut for the Jets in the 0–0 pre-season draw with the Brisbane Roar at Redland City.

Leonardo came on as a second-half substitute with thirty minutes to go in the match for youngster Mitch Cooper in the number ten role.

[12] Leonardo made his A-League debut in the opening round match between the Jets and Wellington Phoenix at Westpac Stadium.