After failing to impose himself at CR Vasco da Gama, he joined amateurs Rio Preto Esporte Clube.
For the 2011–12 season he went straight to the Primeira Liga with Rio Ave FC,[2] being immediately loaned to Leixões SC.
[3] Marcelo made his debut in the Portuguese top flight on 18 August 2012, playing the full 90 minutes in a 0–1 home loss against C.S.
on 13 January 2013)[5] to help his team finish in sixth position, he won the club's Player of the Year award.
[13] He went back to Portugal and its main division in July 2023, with the 34-year-old signing a one-year contract at recently-promoted side Moreirense FC.