Alef Dos Santos Saldanha

Early career

Starting his career with Ponte Preta in 2013, he joined Marseille B on a year-long loan with an option to buy.

Braga

In July 2015, Alef signed a contract with Braga, valid for the next five seasons.

Umm Salal SC (loan)

On 2 September 2016, QSL club Umm Salal has announced the signing of midfielder Alef from Portuguese club Braga. The player put pen to paper on a one-year loan deal. The signing of the 21 year old Brazilian, completes the Orange Fortresses quartet of professionals ahead of the new QSL season. Alef joins up with compatriot Anderson Martins.

Apollon Limassol (loan)

On 5 July 2017 he joined Apollon Limassol of the Cypriot First Division on a season-long loan. In Cyprus, the Brazilian midfielder reminds the player who stood out in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand. By keeping the ball properly, hindering the attacks of the opponents, changing the game well and circling the ball from either the left or the right side. At the same time he demonstrates that he has a very good technical training, having overall a leading role in the middle line of Apollon Limassol throughout the year.

AEK Athens (loan)

On 14 July 2018, AEK Athens and Braga agreed terms for the loan move of Alef to the Greek champions, until the summer of 2019. Under contract at Braga, the 23-year old defensive midfielder spent the last season as a loanee in Cyprus, impressing with runners-up Apollon Limassol. Despite his strong…

Alef played at the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup with Brazil.