Pena was born in
Vitória da Conquista,
Bahia. After playing with modest clubs in his country, he had his first taste of European football in 1998, but only lasted a few months with
Grasshoppers, moving then to
Palmeiras. In 2000, Pena signed for
Porto, where he was the top scorer in the
Primeira Liga in his
first season with 22 goals while also adding the
Taça de Portugal. After falling out with coach
Octávio Machado, he was loaned to
Strasbourg in France, where he failed to settle; two other loans ensued, and the player experienced some success at both
Braga and
Marítimo. Released by Porto in June 2005, Pena returned to Brazil. After a spell with
Botafogo he saw out his career with lowly sides, retiring in 2011 at the age of 37. ==Personal life==