Although Guangzhou signed a few strong players to strengthened the team's attacking power including Argentinian Darío Conca and Brazilian Cléo in the 2011 league season, Muriqui was still the most important part of the club.
He scored his first two CSL goals in a 2–2 home draw against Beijing Guoan on 17 April 2011.
On 4 May, Muriqui scored a hat-trick in a 2011 Chinese FA Cup match which Guangzhou Evergrande beat China League One side Guizhou Zhicheng at Yuexiushan Stadium.
He became Guangzhou's first player to score a hat-trick in the Chinese FA Cup.

On 12 August 2011, a conflict near the end of first half in the match while Guangzhou played away against Liaoning Whowin became the center of attention.
In a hearing held by Chinese Football Association 4 days later, the CFA believed that Muriqui struck Zhao Junzhe in the conflict, which resulted in a ban of 5 matches (including reserve league) and him being fined ¥25,000.
Muriqui expressed his disappointment about the ban which he believed to be unfair in his Weibo and said he would leave China at the end of the season.
However, after several talks with the club, Muriqui changed his mind and said he would happy to stay in China and fulfil his contract.
Although missing 4 matches of the league, Muriqui scored 16 goals in 26 appearances in the season which made him the top goal scorer of the league.
Guangzhou successfully achieved Super League champion for the first time in the club's history.
Muriqui won the CFA Footballer of the Year award in December 2011.
Although Guangzhou signed a few strong players to strengthened the team's attacking power including Argentinian Darío Conca and Brazilian Cléo in the 2011 league season, Muriqui was still the most important part of the club. He scored his first two CSL goals in a 2–2 home draw against Beijing Guoan on 17 April 2011. On 4 May, Muriqui scored a hat-trick in a 2011 Chinese FA Cup match which Guangzhou Evergrande beat China League One side Guizhou Zhicheng at Yuexiushan Stadium. He became Guangzhou's first player to score a hat-trick in the Chinese FA Cup.
On 12 August 2011, a conflict near the end of first half in the match while Guangzhou played away against Liaoning Whowin became the center of attention. In a hearing held by Chinese Football Association 4 days later, the CFA believed that Muriqui struck Zhao Junzhe in the conflict, which resulted in a ban of 5 matches (including reserve league) and him being fined ¥25,000. Muriqui expressed his disappointment about the ban which he believed to be unfair in his Weibo and said he would leave China at the end of the season. However, after several talks with the club, Muriqui changed his mind and said he would happy to stay in China and fulfil his contract. Although missing 4 matches of the league, Muriqui scored 16 goals in 26 appearances in the season which made him the top goal scorer of the league. Guangzhou successfully achieved Super League champion for the first time in the club's history. Muriqui won the CFA Footballer of the Year award in December 2011.
Muriqui (footballer)