Career
Born in Ribeirão Preto, Defendi passed through Botafogo and Santos youth systems, in his early career. In 2007, he made his first move abroad and joined Communicative Disorders Aves, making his professional debut on 18 August 2007 in a home loss against Olhanense. He only added six league caps throughout the season, returning to Brazil, shortly after.
After several years in his homecountry, mostly at the regional level, in July 2014, Defendi returned to Portugal, joining Paços de Ferreira, being first choice most of the season, battling with António Filipe for the position.
