1990 – 2003
He made his debut in the senior national team on March 15, 1989 against Ecuador.
After two friendly matches against Paraguay and Portugal Aldair was included in the call-ups for the 1989 Copa America.
Initially a reserve, he then became a starter during the competition, and played 6 matches: at the end of the Cup, Brazil was crowned champion.
He also participated, also in the same year, in the 1990 World Cup qualifiers.
In 1990, he played three friendly matches and was called up for the World Cup in Italy: in that competition, however, he was never used, as he was considered a reserve for Carlos Mozer, Mauro Galvão and Ricardo Gomes by the CT.
He returned to the national team in 1994, making his debut on May 3 against Iceland: he played World Cup preparation friendlies against Canada and Honduras and made his debut at the 1994 World Cup against Russia on June 20.
During the World Cup he was a starter in the center of the defense alongside Márcio Santos, and won the title, incidentally also playing in the final against Italy. Incidentally he was initially reserve player, but became a starter as Ricardo Gomes and Ricardo Rocha were injured.
Summoned for the 1995 Copa America, he played throughout the tournament as a starter in the center of defense, and even scored a goal against the United States.
He was, with Bebeto and Rivaldo, one of the three outfielders called up for the 1996 Olympic Games soccer tournament in Atlanta. On that occasion Brazil won the bronze medal. In 1997 he played all the Copa America matches from the start, scoring another goal (against Mexico) and winning his second continental title. At the 1998 World Cup he was once again selected as a starting central defender, this time alongside Júnior Baiano, and played the entire tournament, including the final lost 3-0 to France.
He played his last match for the national team on June 28, 2000 against Uruguay.
