Born in Brazil, Joelson started his professional career in Italy along with his elder brother Piá.
In June 2004, Atalanta bought back Joelson and sold him to nearby club AlbinoLeffe in another co-ownership deal, where he joined loan with ex-Primavera teammate Mauro Belotti, Gabriele Perico and Mauro Minelli who recent bought back by Atalanta.
In December 2019, Joelson moved to Italian fifth tier, Eccellenza, club ASD Lemine Almenno Calcio.
[9] He successively spent the 2020–21 season with Eccellenza club Mapello, coached by his friend and former teammate Vinicio Espinal.
[11] In May 2023, Vimercate-based Eccellenza amateur club AC Leon announced the appointment of Joelson as their new head coach for the 2023–24 season.