 Born in Arujá, São Paulo, Ribeiro joined Corinthians' youth setup in 2001, aged ten, as a left back.Promoted to the main squad in 2007 by manager Paulo César Carpegiani, he only appeared in four matches during that year, being relegated with the side.On 21 July 2008, after the arrival of Wellington Saci, Ribeiro was loaned to São Caetano, being successfully converted to an attacking midfielder during his two-year spell at the side.