Wélton Melo

In 1994, Welton began his professional career with Fluminense. In 1996, Major League Soccer invited him to a tryout where he was offered an MLS contract.

New England Revolution

On March 4, 1996, the New England Revolution selected Welton with their second pick (16th overall) in the 1996 MLS supplemental draft. Playing as both a forward and midfielder, Welton made a total of 29 appearances, starting 20 matches, scoring three goals and recording six assists in the Revolution's inaugural season. He started the Revolution's first-ever match on April 13, 1996, their first-ever win on April 20, and their first-ever home match on April 27. In conjunction with Alexi Lalas, Welton recorded the first assist in New England Revolution history, setting up Robert Ukrop's goal on April 13. He scored his first-ever Revolution goal on May 11 vs. the Columbus Crew. Alongside his teammate Alexi Lalas, Welton was named to the 1996 MLS All-Star Game, where he started in the East's 3-2 victory over the West.

LA Galaxy

On 10 March 1997, New England traded Welton to the Los Angeles Galaxy for the Galaxy's first round pick in the 1998 MLS Supplemental Draft. Welton became a prolific piece of the Galaxy's attack under head coach Octavio Zambrano, netting 11 goals and recording 3 assists in 29 appearances during the 1997 season. In 1998, the Galaxy scored a league-record 85 goals in the regular season, and Welton finished the season with a career-high 17 goals and 11 assists,…

Welton played once for the Brazil youth team at the 1995 Pan American Games, against Bermuda.