Esporte Clube Bahia
Born in Alegre, Jean Elias began playing football as a defender with local side Desportiva Ferroviária. He would play professionally in Brazil and Japan, making over 40 appearances in the Campeonato Brasileiro for Esporte Clube Bahia and Cruzeiro Esporte Clube. He is well known for delivering a violent tackle on Vasco's Pedrinho while playing for Cruzeiro in 1998.