 He amassed Primeira Liga totals of 167 matches and eight goals during eight seasons, in representation of seven clubs.Born in Montalvânia, Minas Gerais, Elias started playing professionally with lowly Grêmio Inhumense.He joined FC Porto in 2001, but played mostly for their reserves during his two-year stint; he appeared once for the first team, featuring the last 13 minutes of a 3–2 home win against Varzim S.C. on 17 May 2003 after taking the place of Clayton.