His representatives agreed to a €3 million fee with both Botafogo and FC Schalke 04 in August 2007.

In January 2008 they finalised the deal and Zé Roberto joined the German side.

[1][2] He made his debut for Schalke 04 on 3 February 2008 scoring a goal in the 90th minute, only 33 seconds after being substituted on.

Zé Roberto made his first match for Flamengo on 4 February 2009, playing against Mesquita.

[3][4] Zé Roberto moved to Vasco da Gama in May 2010 (effective in August), signed a contract until July 2011.