Túlio de Melo started his career with Atlético Mineiro, and moved to Europe in 2004 to join Danish top-flight team Aalborg BK on loan.

In 2005, he signed a three-year contract with French club Le Mans, where he gained a reputation as a powerful striker with the ability to lob keepers of international class from range.

His impressive performances in the first half of the 2007–08 season (10 goals in 19 matches) caused interest from higher-level teams, namely Serie A clubs Palermo and Parma.

[2] Túlio de Melo joined the Rosanero in July 2008, but he was soon listed for transfer by the club, and managed only to play 45 minutes in a Coppa Italia match, a 2–1 home loss to Ravenna.

On 29 January 2015, Túlio de Melo signed a six-month deal with Spanish Segunda División side Real Valladolid.