Early career

Born in Brasília, Distrito Federal, Jéferson debuted as a professional for Brasiliense. He spent four years at the club after being loaned out to Atlético Goianiense. During his short stay with Atlético Goianiense, Jéferson helped the club gain promotion by winning the Campeonato Goiano da Segunda Divisão.^[1]

He later spent time with Guarani, a São Paulo based club, after being transferred to Santo André, where he began the ascent of his playing career and leading the squad to a Campeonato Paulista Série A2 championship and runners-up in the 2008 Campeonato Brasileiro Série B campaign.

Vasco da Gama

Jéferson's role as a playmaker for Santo André caught the attention of more notable Brazilian clubs, in particular, Vasco da Gama, who signed him a year later in 2009. Early on, he struggled to find his place in the squad, due to the bevy of high caliber midfielders at Vasco da Gama. While with Vasco Jéferson enjoyed his best run of form during the Campeonato Carioca, where he made 32 appearances and scored 5 goals.

Avaí

After struggling to win a starting role, he was subsequently loaned to Avaí, a Brazilian club based in Florianópolis, in 2010. He impressed scoring four goals in his first eight appearances during his short stay with the club.^[2]

Sporting Kansas City

On July 17, 2011, Jéferson signed a loan deal with MLS side Sporting Kansas City. The loan deal also stated that he would be signed under the league's Designated Player Rule making him Sporting KC's second Designated Player alongside Omar Bravo.^[3] He was waived by the club on November 23, 2011.^[4]