Born in São Paulo state, Leonardo Jesus started his career with Portuguesa de Desportos.
After made his national league debut at 2004 Campeonato Brasileiro Série B, he signed a new 3+1⁄2-year contract with club in August 2005.
That season he was cautioned 5 times in Serie B. Portuguesa finished as the third and promoted to 2008 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A.
The club keeps the right to break this contract in January 2012, if the player won't meet its expectations.
2 3 games in 2010 qualification playoffs for European competitions 3 Not registered in 2010[citation needed] and 2011 Copa Libertadores[16] 4 See note 1 and 2