Career beginnings Born in Tabocal Grande, a small village near
Cristalândia do Piauí,
Piauí, Maria moved to
Brasília at the age of 14 to pursue a professional career. She began her career with in 2010, and spent three months at
Ipatinga before receiving an offer from
Vitória das Tabocas in 2011.
Santos Maria Alves joined
Santos in 2015, after the women's team was reestablished. She scored on her league debut against
Pinheirense on 9 September 2015, scoring in the 25th minute.
Juventus On 3 September 2019, Maria moved abroad for the first time in her career, signing for
Juventus. She made her league debut against
Empoli on 14 September 2019. Maria Alves scored her first league goal against
Florentia on 13 October 2019, scoring in the 70th minute.
Palmeiras On 24 May 2021, she returned to her home country with
Palmeiras. Maria Alves made her league debut against Flamengo on 31 May 2021. She scored her first league goal against
Napoli on 21 June 2021, scoring in the 75th minute.
Flamengo On 16 January 2022, Maria agreed to a contract with
Flamengo. She made her league debut against
São Paulo on 7 March 2022. Maria Alves scored her first goal for the club against
CRESSPOM on 13 March 2022, scoring in the 90th+2nd minute.
León On 17 August 2023, she was presented at
Liga MX Femenil side
León.
Santos On 22 January 2024, Maria was announced back at her former club Santos on a one-year contract. She made her league debut against
Real Brasília on 15 March 2024.
Ankara BB Fomget In September 2024, Alves moved to Turkey, and signed a deal with
Ankara BB Fomget to play in the
2024–25 Super League season. She won the champions title in that season. == International career ==