Born in Brazil, Sammir became a naturalized Croatian citizen and has been capped seven times for the Croatia national football team.

[3] He was promoted to the first-team in February 2004,[4] but failed to make any appearances for the Brazilian club and was subsequently loaned out to Ferroviária.

[8] In September 2006 Sammir joined Venda Nova, a businessman club, being immediately loaned out to São Caetano.

At the end of the season, Sammir had made eleven league appearances for the club and scored against Slaven Belupo.

[12] Sammir made his European football debut, featuring in all of the club's UEFA Cup and Champions League matches.

On 16 August, at the start of the 2009–10 season, Sammir scored his first hat–trick for Dinamo in a 5–0 home victory against NK Osijek, converting two penalties and a free kick.

[15] He appeared in 5 Dinamo games in group stage, playing against Real Madrid, Olympique Lyonnais and AFC Ajax.

He apologised, rejoined the team, and appeared in all 6 of Dinamo Zagreb matches in group stage of 2012–13 UEFA Champions League.

[16] He made his debut in the competition on 1 March, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 0–0 home draw against RCD Espanyol.

On 1 March 2021, Lokomotiva coach Jerko Leko revealed that Sammir and his teammate Nikica Jelavić decided to retire from professional football and that the club respected their decisions.

[22] After appearing for Brazil under-17[23] and under-18 levels,[24] Sammir expressed his desire to play for the Croatia national football team after holding a Croatian passport.