In 2009, Ganso received a nomination for the Brazilian Football Confederation award for "Breakthrough Player" of the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, given to the best rookie of the competition.

[4] Ganso was brought to Tuna Luso after being discovered by former Brazil international Giovanni, and at 15 years of age he joined Paysandu, but he was snapped up by Santos in 2005.

He wore the number 10 jersey in Santos' campaign in the Copa São Paulo of 2008, where his team was eliminated in the quarter-finals by Sport Club Internacional.

On 20 September 2012, after a hard period of negotiation, it was confirmed by São Paulo that Ganso had signed a five-year contract, for a R$23.940 million transfer fee.

[14] On 31 August 2018, the last day of the 2018 summer transfer window, Ganso joined Ligue 1 club Amiens SC on a season-long loan.

In early 2010, the Brazilian media began calling for Brazil national team coach Dunga to choose Ganso for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, primarily as a substitute for Kaká, because of their similar styles of play.

[24] Following injuries to Douglas Costa and Kaká, Ganso was called up to Brazil's Copa América Centenario squad as a replacement by Dunga, and was named in the 23-man final list, being given the number 7 shirt.

[27][28] In addition to his creative and technical abilities, Ganso also possesses a powerful and accurate shot from distance; he is also capable of aiding his team defensively, due to his stamina, height, and physical qualities, and can also play as a central midfielder or as a deep-lying playmaker.

After suffering recurring injuries and a decrease in form and match fitness, he subsequently lost his place in the Brazilian team, in favour of Oscar, due to his performances with his club at the time, Chelsea.

[27] In 2012, Ganso refound his form and put on a notable performance in the derby against Corinthians, helping his team to a 3–1 victory, and, in 2013, he shone in a 2–0 win against Atlético Mineiro, as São Paulo advanced to the third stage of the 2013 Copa Libertadores.