Born in
Itarantim,
Bahia, Almeida career started in the regional
futsal leagues, eventually leading to a seven-month spell at
Cruzeiro in 1997. After being released by Cruzeiro, he returned to futsal and had an impressive performance in a regional tournament. He was described by
Pelé as having the same spirit as
Zito: "It's always war for him, it's a guy that does not miss a training session because he always wants to be the best. It is funny, how they are coinciding at Santos. He was proven to be a player with future, with lots of personality". He made his debut for Benfica in a
UEFA Champions League qualifying match with
Anderlecht. Despite his recognition in Brazil, Almeida struggled to adjust to the tempo of European football, and by November it was speculated that he would be loaned out. He was offered back to Santos in an unsuccessful bid from Benfica to Robinho, and as the
season progressed, he slipped down the pecking order and was demoted to the
reserve team. After not finding a team in the summer of 2005, Almeida remained with the B-team and competed in the
third tier, until he opted to terminate his contract with Benfica in April 2006. Almeida returned to Brazil and in June, he signed with
Corinthians, reuniting with
Émerson Leão. He debuted on 5 August against
Clube Atlético Paranaense, and represented the team until July 2007, when he rescinded his contract. His next club was
Náutico which he played for between December 2007 and August 2008. Almeida then changed clubs almost every six months, passing through
União Esporte Clube,
Goianésia,
Rio Branco,
Itumbiara, among others. ==International career==