Born in Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, Maurício did not start playing organised football until well into his 20s.
He represented mainly modest sides in his country, with the exception of Fluminense FC in 2002, helping the Rio de Janeiro team to the Campeonato Carioca.
In August 2003, shortly after being released by Esporte Clube Juventude,[2] Maurício signed with S.C. Braga in Portugal,[3] being rarely used by the Minho side in three years (he was inclusively demoted to the reserves) and also being loaned to fellow Primeira Liga club C.F.
Subsequently returned to Braga, Maurício left for the Pohang Steelers of South Korea in the 2007 January transfer window.
After appearing rarely in the K League 1 he returned to Portugal and former club Estrela,[5] netting another four goals as it again managed to retain top-division status after finishing 13th, notably in a 2–2 home draw against eventual champions FC Porto.