Born in Santa Luz, Bahia, Carlos joined Atlético Mineiro's youth setup in 2009, aged 14.

On 10 August 2013 he made his professional debut, replacing Rosinei in a 0–0 away draw against Náutico for the Série A championship.

[3] Carlos also appeared regularly during the year's national league, scoring a brace in a 3–2 away win against fierce rivals Cruzeiro on 21 September.

[10] His contract with Atlético was terminated, but the club maintained a percentage in case of future sale of the player.

[18] On 27 November 2014, Carlos was preselected by the Brazil under-20s for the 2015 South American Youth Football Championship, hosted in Uruguay.