The Brazilian forward was born in Rio de Janeiro on 9 March 1983. He came to Holland at age 11. In the autumn of 2000 he made his debut for Feyenoord at age 17. He has played for NAC Breda from January 2006. Leonardo, who has great individual skills, is a lightning-quick forward who can play all positions up front.


Leonardo smiles when he has signed a contract for two and a half years. He does not consider it a problem that he joins Ajax in mid-season. ,,No, this way I am half a year earlier than other possible new players who will come in July. Now I can get used to the team, make friends and build a connection with the guys."
He names Sneijder and Heitinga as players he is already familiar with. ,,I have played in Holland since I was eleven, twelve, so we have played against each other in youth teams." The years in Holland have made that the Brazilian thinks in Dutch. ,,But I am still feeling Brazilian", he adds.

That feeling also made that he eventually chose Ajax, with other clubs also interested. ,,The talks I had with Ajax were different than those with other clubs. I felt best with the people of Ajax. It's not about the money, I want to have a good feeling with a club as a football player. Ajax is a top club and I expect a lot from Ajax. Ajax expect a lot from me as well and that is the way it is supposed to be if you want to reach the top. I want to make Ajax even stronger, make sure we play for the championship. This year, because I think Ajax can catch up to PSV in the second half of the season!"