Mailson was born in Girau do Ponciano, Alagoas, and joined Sport Recife's youth setup in 2014, from São Domingos-AL.[1] He made his first team debut on 4 April 2017, starting in a 2–2 Campeonato Pernambucano home draw against Salgueiro.
[2] Promoted to the main squad for the 2018 season, Mailson made his Série A debut on 24 April, in a 1–1 home draw against Botafogo, as starter Magrão was injured and immediate backup Agenor asked to leave the club.
[3] He renewed his contract until December 2021 on 23 May,[4] and played 13 league matches during the campaign as his side was relegated.
Mailson began the 2019 season as a starter ahead of Magrão, who subsequently left the club, and renewed his contract until 2022 on 16 September.
[6] Upon returning, Mailson lost his starting spot to Luan Polli, with both subsequently sharing the first-choice status throughout the season.