Born in Orleans, Santa Catarina, Wilsão began his senior career in 1987 with Criciúma.
After one year as a starter, he helped União Barbarense to achieve their best-ever campaign in the Campeonato Paulista after finishing sixth; at the latter side, he was known as Wilson Criciúma.
In January 2010, after the dismissal of Itamar Schülle, he was named interim manager, and subsequently appointed in a permanent manner in February.
He left in October 2020,[7] but was announced back at the club in December under the role of director of youth football.
[8] On 1 April 2021, Wilsão was again named interim manager, in the place of sacked Hemerson Maria.