He was spotted by a scout that took him to Paraná, where he first played professional football for Nacional-PR, a local club from the city of Rolândia.

On 22 April 2009, Ricardo was transferred to Grêmio, a big Brazilian club from Rio Grande do Sul.

After the successful campaign in the Paulistão 2010, Ricardo was transferred to Atlético Mineiro, who bought 45% of their economic rights, with the other 55% still being of Grêmio.

Palmeiras stated interest in Ricardo in August 2011, and brought him in the end of the month along with Fernandão, another striker.

On 25 January 2013, Bueno joined the defending Danish league champions FC Nordsjælland on loan, on a contract running until the summer of 2013, after which the club can make it a permanent move.