Born in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Caldeira moved to São Paulo after becoming an employee of the Brazilian customs agency.

After representing Sport Club Germânia and Associação Atlética das Palmeiras, Caldeira joined Santos FC in 1913, when the club had its first season in football.

[1] Caldeira was a player-manager of Santos FC for two years, also helping in the construction of the club's stadium in 1916.

He remained in the role until 1932, and died on 13 March 1933, one day after the club's first professional match.

[1][2] Shortly after Caldeira's death, Santos FC's board decided to name the club's stadium after him: Estádio Urbano Caldeira, in honor of his years of dedication for the club.