Nicknamed after boxer Acelino Freitas by his mother's neighbor, Werik Popó was rejected by a number of clubs before joining Oeste's youth setup in 2020.
Back to Oeste, Werik Popó made his first team debut for the club on 19 June 2021, replacing Léo Artur late into a 0–0 Série C home draw against Criciúma.
[3] He alternated between the under-20 and first team squads, and was the top scorer of the 2022 Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior with eight goals in just six matches.
[4] Definitely promoted to the main squad, Werik Popó scored his first senior goal on 19 February 2022, netting a last-minute winner in a 2–1 Campeonato Paulista Série A2 away win over XV de Piracicaba.
[7] He made his debut in the category on 18 September, replacing injured Alerrandro in a 1–1 home draw against Goiás, but being himself substituted after 37 minutes on the field.