Marcus Vinícius began his career in the youth sectors of Atlético Mineiro, being top scorer in the baby tooth category.

[1] He also played for Flamengo, São José-SP, Palmeiras, Grêmio and Sport.

[2][3][4] In 1983, Marcus Vinícius was part of the Brazil under-20 team that won the Toulon Tournament.

[5] In the same year, he was also part of the Olympic team of Brazil, who was silver medal in the Caracas Pan American Games.

[6] He was also part of the 1984 CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament winning squad.