Born in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Arilson began his career with amateur teams in his hometown before joining Tupi in late 2014, after a trial period.
[1][2] After being rarely used, he finished the year with Figueirense-MG [pt] in the Campeonato Mineiro Segunda Divisão.
[5] A regular starter for Pelotas during the 2017 Campeonato Gaúcho Série A2, Arilson returned to his native state due to personal problems and played for Poços de Caldas.
[7] Arilson continued to play in the state in the following seasons, representing Uberlândia,[8] Athletic-MG (two stints), Patrocinense, Mamoré,[9] União Luziense [pt] and Pouso Alegre.
[10] On 2 September 2022, after helping in their promotion to the Série B and remaining as a starter, he renewed his contract until the end of 2023.