Edu Dracena

Loan to Olympiacos On 2 July 2002, Dracena was loaned to Olympiacos in a season-long deal. He was a part of the squad which won the Alpha Ethniki, but only appearing in five matches.

Cruzeiro Shortly after his return to Guarani, Dracena signed for Cruzeiro on 8 February 2003, as a replacement for Lyon-bound Cris. He appeared regularly for the club, winning the year's Série A and Copa do Brasil.

Dracena fell through the pecking order in 2005, mainly due to an injury which ruled him out for seven months. In 2006, he was appointed Cruzeiro's captain, winning the year's Campeonato Mineiro.

Fenerbahçe

In August 2006, Dracena transferred to Fenerbahçe for a €5.7 million fee. On 19 May 2007, he scored Fenerbahçe's 500th goal against rivals Galatasaray.

Dracena rescinded his link with the club on 24 August 2009, after being mainly used as a backup during the 2008–09 season.

Santos

On 16 September 2009, Dracena signed a three-year deal with Santos FC, being sidelined during his first year due to a knee injury.

Dracena was an important defensive unit for Peixe in the following years, winning three Paulista titles (2010, 2011 and 2012), one Copa do Brasil (2010, scoring in the final) and one Copa Libertadores (2011). However, he struggled with two serious knee injuries which sidelined him for long periods.

On 15 January 2015, after the club's financial trouble, Dracena rescinded his link.

Corinthians On 21 January 2015, Dracena signed a two-year deal with Santos' fierce rivals Corinthians. On 22 December, after being a backup option, he terminated his contract.

Palmeiras Shortly after leaving Corinthians, Dracena signed a two-year contract with Palmeiras. He was again a backup for the most of his spell, but still won two Série A titles with the club (2016 and 2018).

On 4 December 2019, Dracena announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 38.

International career Dracena represented Brazil at the 2001 U-20 World Cup. In June 2003, he received his first call-up to the Brazilian senior team for the 2003 Confederations Cup, but did not play.

Four years later, Dracena was called up to play a friendly match against United States and Mexico on 9 and 12 September 2007. He came off the bench in the second half against the U.S., followed by a place in the starting lineup against Mexico.

Post-playing career On 19 December 2019, Dracena was presented as the new technical advisor of Palmeiras, replacing former player Zé Roberto. On 27 October 2021, he returned to Santos after being named the club's football executive.

On 7 July 2022, Dracena resigned from his executive role at Santos.

Career statistics Club

International

Honours Olympiacos Alpha Ethniki: 2002–03

Cruzeiro Campeonato Brasileiro Série A: 2003 Copa do Brasil: 2003 Campeonato Mineiro: 2003, 2004, 2006

Fenerbahçe Süper Lig: 2006–07 Turkish Super Cup: 2007

Santos Campeonato Paulista: 2010, 2011, 2012 Copa do Brasil: 2010 Copa Libertadores: 2011

Corinthians Campeonato Brasileiro Série A: 2015

Palmeiras Campeonato Brasileiro Série A: 2016, 2018