Lucas João


Lucas Eduardo dos Santos João, known as Lucas João, is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a forward for English club Reading.

Club career

Nacional

Born in Lisbon of Angolan descent, Lucas João started playing football with amateurs Beira Mar Atlético Clube Almada. In 2011 he joined C.D. Nacional, where he spent his last year as a junior.
Lucas João made his senior debut with lowly SC Mirandela, on loan. He returned to the Madeirans for the 2013–14 season, making his Primeira Liga debut on 15 September 2013 against F.C. Arouca after coming on as a 78th-minute substitute, in a 0–1 home loss.
Lucas João scored his first goal in the top flight on 11 January 2015, his brace helping defeat Boavista F.C. 2–1 at home. He netted a further six – seven overall – during the campaign, as his team finished in seventh position.

Sheffield Wednesday

On 31 July 2015, Lucas João joined former teammate Marco Matias at English club Sheffield Wednesday, signing a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee. He made his debut in the Football League Championship on 8 August, replacing Atdhe Nuhiu for the last 13 minutes of a 2–0 win against Bristol City at Hillsborough. Three days later he scored his first goal, in a 4–1 victory over Mansfield Town in the League Cup, also at home.
On 27 October 2015, Lucas João was one of three players on target as Wednesday defeated Arsenal 3–0 at home to reach the fifth round of the League Cup. On 30 January 2017, he joined fellow league team Blackburn Rovers on loan until the end of the season.

Reading

On 6 August 2019, Lucas João joined Reading on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee three days after scoring against them at the service of Sheffield Wednesday. The first goal for his new club came on his second Championship appearance, but in a 1–2 away loss to Hull City.

International career

Lucas João won five caps for Portugal at youth level, including three for the under-21s. He was first called up to the full side on 6 November 2015, with manager Fernando Santos picking him ahead of friendlies against Russia and Luxembourg, making his debut in the former match by featuring 18 minutes in the 0–1 loss in Krasnodar.

Career statistics

Club

International