 In 2007, he moved to Europe and signed with the Portuguese club Benfica in August 2007 for €1.8M.Under coach José Antonio Camacho he was a regular player and played among other things in the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Cup, partnering with Luisão, due to David Luiz injury.However his performances were subpar and he moved on loan the following year, returning to his native Brazil, to Fluminense.