Guarani Futebol Clube
After solid performances in Portugal for A.D. Ovarense in the second division (he arrived in the country at the age of 21 from Guarani Futebol Clube), Nei moved in the January 2005 transfer window to Moreirense F.C. in the Primeira Liga, making his debut on the 9th in a 1–0 home win against Académica de Coimbra and scoring four goals in the season's last three games – including one in a 1–1 home draw against FC Porto – as his team eventually suffered relegation.