In January 2006 he signed with Portugal's Vitória de Setúbal,[1] helping the Sadinos achieve a final comfortable eighth position in the Primeira Liga.
[2] On 6 August 2009, Rubinho joined U.S. Città di Palermo signing a five-year contract, with Marco Amelia, whom occupied the same position, moving in the opposite direction – both players were valued at €5 million.
[8] Despite Sirigu refusing to sign a new contract with Palermo and being eventually cast aside, Benussi was used in the 2011–12 UEFA Europa League third qualifying round, which ended in elimination at the hands of FC Thun, and Rubinho even lost his second-choice status for that tie, with Giacomo Brichetto taking his place.
[13] Rubinho made his second appearance for the club on 18 May 2014, coming on for Buffon and keeping a clean sheet in a 3–0 home win over Cagliari Calcio as the Old Lady celebrated another league title under manager Antonio Conte with a record 102 points.
[23] A reliable and experienced shot-stopper,[2] Rubinho was also known for his leadership and vocal presence in goal, being considered a key dressing room personality for his teams throughout his career.
[13] As a goalkeeper, he also stood out for his speed when rushing off his line to collect the ball or anticipate opponents who had beaten the off-side trap, and was known for his ability to get to ground quickly to parry shots.