Santiago spent most of his career (at least from 2005 onward) in Brazilian state leagues, and a brief spell in Hong Kong Born in Santiago, Rio Grande do Sul, Santiago spent his recent career in state competitions of Rio Grande do Sul (Gaúcho Leagues, Copa FGF) and nearby Santa Catarina state (Catarinense League).
[2] After goalless 11 appearances in senior competitions (including 10 starts in the first 10 round of the league), he was released.
[3] He then played for Pelotas at 2008 Campeonato Gaúcho Segunda Divisão and São Paulo (RS) at 2008 Copa FGF.
In February 2009 he returned to Pelotas and finished as the runner-up of 2009 Campeonato Gaúcho Segunda Divisão.
He briefly played for Grêmio Ibirubá which won 2009 Amateur League of Southern Brazil.