 Betão's contract with Corinthians expired on 31 December 2007 and was offered a three-year renewal but declined.After 14 years playing for Corinthians and wearing the captain's armband during the 2007 season, Betão was released from Corinthians after being made the scapegoat of the team's relegation by the chairman at the time.On 8 January 2008, Betão trained with Santos and the following day, signed a three-year contract with the team.