Marcelo Alves was born in Rio de Janeiro, and finished his formation with Madureira.

He made his first team debut on 13 July 2017, starting in a 1–2 away loss against São Gonçalo, for the year's Copa Rio.

[1] Marcelo Alves was definitely promoted to the main squad in November 2018, after an unassuming loan spell at Barra da Tijuca.

[3] On 30 July 2020, still owned by Madureira, Marcelo Alves was announced at Série A side Vasco da Gama.

[5] On 24 June 2023, Marcelo Alves moved on a new loan to the Russian Premier League club Sochi, with an option to buy.