Before moving to the Suwon Samsung Bluewings in South Korea, Nádson played for Vitória.
After suffering from serious injury problems in the 2006 season, Nádson returned to Brazil to play for Corinthians as a short-term replacement for West Ham United-bound Carlos Tevez.
On 24 July 2008, Nádson went to Japan to play for Vegalta Sendai, but left after six months to return to Vitória.
Nádson participated with the Brazil national team at the 2003 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Despite having a small stature, he was known for his sensorial positioning, eye for goal, and offensive determination.