Kerlon scored his first professional goal on 25 February 2007 in Cruzeiro's 4–1 victory over Ituiutaba. While at Cruzeiro, Kerlon became well known for his trademark skill, named the "drible da foquinha" or seal dribble, where the ball is bounced continuously on the forehead while running. Opposing players often foul the performer of a seal dribble, such as in September 2007, where Dyego Rocha Coelho struck Kerlon with his elbow as he passed and was suspended for five matches.
European football
Kerlon was signed by Chievo in 2008. Like the deal that Inter bought Júlio César and Victor Obinna, Inter borrowed the non-EU registration quota from Chievo instead of using its own quota. Lega Calcio documented Chievo signed Kerlon but he would leave for Inter at a later time. Cruzeiro also announced that the club and third-party owner EMS Sigma Pharma sold 80% rights to Kerlon's agent Mino Raiola for €1.3 million. EMS and Cruzeiro retained the remaining 20% rights. He made his début for Chievo on 29 October, against S.S. Lazio as a substitute; one of only four appearances that season largely due to a knee injury sustained in March 2007. In July 2009, Kerlon officially signed a deal with Inter until June 2012. Kerlon continued to suffer from knee injuries during his time at Inter which some journalists cite as the reason for his minor impact in the Serie A. On 31 August 2009, Kerlon was loaned to AFC Ajax with an option to buy him; Inter also subsidised Ajax in order to finalize the loan. However Ajax only offered him a place in Jong Ajax – the reserve team instead of the first, as announced on his presentation day. He returned to Inter for the start of the 2010–11 season, but was injured again during the pre-season and suffered a long-term absence from football.
In August 2012 he joined Japan Football League side Fujieda MYFC on free transfer. On 16 September 2012, Kerlon made his league debut against Zweigen Kanazawa, coming on as 59th-minute substitute. He scored his first goal for the club in his next match, scoring in the 77th minute in a 3–0 win over Sony Sendai. In his first season in Japan he scored three goals and provided seven assists in eight games. In his second season at the club, Kerlon played 14 matches and scored 6 goals before his knee troubles affected him once more. He was forced to return to Brazil for knee surgery, keeping him out of action until February 2014. On 20 January 2014, he left the club.
In September 2014, he trained and played a few games with Atlanta Silverbacks but quickly ruled out the transfer possibility by saying "I always had the dream and the intention to play in the United States, whether it's in MLS or the NASL, I really like the country, I really want to be here, because I am closer to Brazil, and this opportunity came to me. I am very happy to be here." On 17 March 2015, Kerlon signed with Miami Dade FC.
Malta
In September 2015, Kerlon arrived on the island of Malta for a trial with Birkirkara but instead signed for Sliema Wanderers on a free transfer. On 19 September, he scored his first goal for the club, scoring the winner in the 2–1 win over Mosta.
Slovakia
After a spell back in Brazil with Villa Nova where he made three appearances in the Campeonato Mineiro, Kerlon signed for Slovak Super Liga side FC Spartak Trnava on a one-and-a-half-year contract. However, he made only four appearances before his contract was terminated at the end of the season.
Retirement
On 20 October 2017, after spending three months without a club, Kerlon publicly announced his retirement from football.
