After enjoying a fruitful spell with Ponte Preta (2000-02) scoring a record at the time 12 goals on the 2001 Copa do Brasil an interest from European clubs like Greek champions Olympiacos and Fenerbahçe came up.

During 2001 and 2002 he was also called up to the Brazil national team by Felipe Scolari scoring 2 goals in 9 games and became a candidate for the 2002 World Cup.

In the 2002–03 Turkish league season Washington scored 9 goals in 12 games but was subsequently released by Fenerbahçe because of his health problems.

He then signed with Brazilian club Atlético Paranaense where he was 2004 Série A top-scorer with 34 goals and broke the league's record.

Washington finished as the 2008 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A top scorer, with 21 goals, tied with Keirrison and Kléber Pereira.