At age 20, he was named captain and in the following year, Almeida and others like Diego, Robinho, Renato and Elano, known as "Meninos da Vila", helped Santos win their first Brasileirão since 1968. He remained a team regular in 2003, helping Santos reach their first Copa Libertadores Finals since 1963, losing it to Boca Juniors. In January 2004, Santos tried to renew his contract but Almeida refused. Three months later it was announced that he would move to Benfica on a free transfer when his contract expired. Although he still competed in the early stages of the Brasileirão, in early June, Vanderlei Luxemburgo officially released him.