Botafogo signed David Ricardo from Ceará for 80% of his rights. The transfer fee was US$ 1.8 million (R$ 10.42 million). David Ricardo played 99 games for Ceará, scoring six goals and providing three assists. He won the Campeonato Cearense and the Copa do Nordeste with the team.

David Ricardo's recent performances have attracted interest from several major Brazilian clubs, including Botafogo.