Os Belenenses in 2007, being an undisputed starter as the Lisbon team finished fifth and qualified for the UEFA Cup, with the defender scoring four goals,[1] partnering future FC Porto and Portugal star Rolando in the heart of the back four;[2] on 28 February 2007, he also helped them come from behind against lowly GD Bragança and reach the semi-finals of the Taça de Portugal following a 2–1 away win.
[3] Nivaldo joined AS Saint-Étienne for a price of €3 million in summer 2007,[4] but featured sparingly in his debut season.
[5][6] After being released in June 2009, Nivaldo joined Spanish club Real Valladolid on a one-year contract.
[9] In June 2010, after Valladolid's relegation, Nivaldo changed teams and countries again, signing a two-year contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv F.C.
[10] On 1 August he netted his first goal, in a Toto Cup win against Maccabi Netanya FC; thirteen days later, however, he was sidelined for two months due to a knee injury,[11] which forced the club to sign Savo Pavićević as a cover.