Vampeta made his international debut for Brazil in a friendly match against FR Yugoslavia on 23 September 1998. He then became a regular player for Brazil, being called up for the 1999 Copa América, 1999 FIFA Confederations Cup and 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup. He was also on Brazil's World Cup winning team in 2002, although he only made one substitute appearance during the competition. In total he made 39 appearances for Brazil between 1998 and 2002, scoring 2 goals.