[2] Andrei was born in Pederneiras in the state of São Paulo, and started his professional career in 1989 with nearby XV de Jaú, which was competing in the lower reaches of the Brazilian league system.
He was quickly identified as a promising talent, and prior to the 1991 season he was signed by São Paulo-based Série A giants Palmeiras.
Andrei Frascarelli enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career, playing 31 times and scoring four goals as Los Rojiblancos secured 7th place in the league and reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup.
[4][5] They drew their quarter-final 0–0 against Bahrain at Fir Park in Motherwell, and Andrei Frascarelli was the only Brazilian player able to convert his penalty as they were eliminated 4–1.
Andrei Frascarelli scored Brazil's first goal of the tournament as they beat the Ivory Coast 2–1 at the Estádio das Antas in Porto.
[8][9] In the knockout stages they saw off Korea 5–1 in Porto and the Soviet Union 3–0 at the Estádio D. Afonso Henriqueses in Guimarães to set up a final clash with the hosts.