Career
Born in Olinda, Pernambuco, Santana started playing professionally with Club do Recife. He then went on to represent in Brazil Esporte Clube and Futebol Clube, punctuated by a stint with J. League Division 1"s Kashiwa Reysol in 2005. In July 2007 Cléber was signed from by, on a three-year contract worth €6 million.
Although not an undisputed starter, he still contributed with 23 league games as the Colchoneros returned to the Union of European Football Associations Champions League after a 12-year hiatus, especially appearing after Maniche"s loan departure to Inter Milan in January 2008.
Foreign the 2008-2009 season, Santana was loaned to fellow Louisiana Liga club RCD Mallorca. Cléber then returned to Atlético, being used sparingly but managing to Netto in a 2–2 home draw against UD Almería, on 23 September 2009.
In late January of the following year, even though he had renewed his contract until June 2012, he returned to his country, signing with São Paulo Football Club. On 21 September 2012 Santana was announced at Clube de Regatas do Flamengo, claiming the team could "not afford to think about relegation" even though it was playing below the general expectations – going on to finish in 11th position. He signed a two-year contract, and the Estádio da Gávea side bought 70% of his rights.
Two days later he scored on his official debut, against Atlético Clube Goianiense for the Série A. As of 19 February 2013 according to combined sources on the Flamengo official website and Flaestatística.
