On 13 May 2014, Renato left Botafogo and returned to Santos, signing a deal until the end of the campaign.
He was named among the substitutes two days later, but remained unused during the 4–2 home win against Princesa do Solimões Esporte Clube.

After struggling with injuries, Renato was mainly used as a backup to Arouca and Alison, playing as a defensive midfielder.
On 13 January 2015, despite appearing in only 14 matches after his return, he renewed his contract for a further year.

On 1 March 2015, Renato scored his first goal after his return, netting his team's second in a 4–2 home win over Clube Atlético Linense.
He was a regular starter during the season, partnering Thiago Maia and contributing with 53 appearances and two goals.

On 13 April 2016, aged already 36, Renato agreed to an extension with Santos until the end of 2017.
The following 27 January, after being an ever-present figure during the year, he renewed his contract until December 2018.

On 18 September 2018, Renato was announced the new director of football of Santos in immediate effect, whilst acting also as a player until the expiration of his contract.
He announced his retirement on 24 November, and played his last match hours later, after replacing goalscorer Gabriel late into a 3–2 home win against Atlético Mineiro; he represented the club in 425 matches, scoring 33 goals and winning four titles.
On 13 May 2014, Renato left Botafogo and returned to Santos, signing a deal until the end of the campaign. He was named among the substitutes two days later, but remained unused during the 4–2 home win against Princesa do Solimões Esporte Clube.
After struggling with injuries, Renato was mainly used as a backup to Arouca and Alison, playing as a defensive midfielder. On 13 January 2015, despite appearing in only 14 matches after his return, he renewed his contract for a further year.
On 1 March 2015, Renato scored his first goal after his return, netting his team's second in a 4–2 home win over Clube Atlético Linense. He was a regular starter during the season, partnering Thiago Maia and contributing with 53 appearances and two goals.
On 13 April 2016, aged already 36, Renato agreed to an extension with Santos until the end of 2017. The following 27 January, after being an ever-present figure during the year, he renewed his contract until December 2018.
On 18 September 2018, Renato was announced the new director of football of Santos in immediate effect, whilst acting also as a player until the expiration of his contract. He announced his retirement on 24 November, and played his last match hours later, after replacing goalscorer Gabriel late into a 3–2 home win against Atlético Mineiro; he represented the club in 425 matches, scoring 33 goals and winning four titles.
Renato (footballer, born 1979)