Elias started his career with Palmeiras, along with future international players Ilsinho and Geromel, playing eight years in their youth system, but ended up not being tapped by the team and was let go. After leaving Palmeiras, he went to Náutico. But Elias received no wages, little playing time and soon returned to São Paulo. The good performance meant that the centre midfielder was signed by Ponte Preta, where he was got time as the free kick taker. His team reached the finals of the 2008 Campeonato Paulista, where he finished as runner-up.
He was transferred to Corinthians, where he was known for his ball control. His holding skills were important to the club during the season, coupled with his ability to go to attack, drew attention to Ronaldo, who was considered the best player in the Campeonato Paulista.
On 5 December 2010, Elias confirmed that he would leave Corinthians and join Spanish team Atlético Madrid in January 2011. The club confirmed the transfer on 16 December.
On 29 August 2011, he was transferred to Sporting Clube de Portugal after he fell out of Atlético Madrid's plans this year. He signed a five-year contract and was sold for €8.85 million being the highest paid transfer in SCP history. and now he has a buyout clause valued at €40 million. On 15 September 2011 Sporting sold 50% economic rights of Elias for €3.85 million to Quality Sports Investments. On his debut, on 10 September 2011, Elias scored a goal against F.C. Paços de Ferreira, on a win of Sporting. At the 76th minute, Sporting was losing by 2–0, but with the goals by Marat Izmailov, Elias and Ricky van Wolfswinkel, Sporting won and began a series of victories in the league, earning him the nickname of "The Prophet" amidst Sporting fans. On 18 December 2011, Elias scored again in the draw against Académica. In that same game, Elias received a red card by the referee for accumulation of yellow cards and was sent off at the minute 89.
On 9 January2013, Elias, on loan, joined to Brazilian side Flamengo. On 28 July 2013, after scoring the goal that drew the local derby against Botafogo at 1-1 in the 94th minute, Elias received a yellow card because he celebrated with Flamengo fans and complained about this. According to the midfielder: "Football is boring. It's staying a complicated thing. We cannot celebrate a goal with people. I think it's wrong. The fans pay tickets and deserve to participate of the party." Because of his great shape playing for CR Flamengo, Rubro-Negro want to keep him for them squad in 2014. This way, even with an accordance realized between Elias and Sporting CP, owner of his rights—accordance made after Elias charges image rights delayed by Portuguese club—, Brazilian side try to act quickly to contract the midfielder, because Corinthians, where Elias is an idol, after playing for Alvinegro side between 2008 and 2010, can sign with him before.
Return to Corinthians
On 7 April 2014, and after two months of negotiations, Elias returned to Brazilian football, more specifically for Corinthians, the club where he played between 2008 and 2010. side of São Paulo paid €4 million for 50% of his economic rights and getting Elias back. On 10 April 2014, Elias was presented by his new club, and said the following words: "To be happy you must give up some things. I gave up of somethings to come back to my home, to stay closer of my family, to play for the club I've always loved. Each choice must be happen with renunciations. I've chosen to be happy."
Sporting CP return
On 31 August 2016, Primeira Liga side Sporting CP announced that they have reached an agreement with Corinthians for the transfer of Elias. He signed a two-year contract, with a buyout clause of €60 million.
On 27 January 2017, Atlético Mineiro announced the signing of Elias.
International career
On 23 September 2010, he received his first call by coach Mano Menezes, his former Corinthians coach, and is the second such player to be get a call up by Menezes; the other is Jucilei.
