Luiz Otavio

Luiz Otavio da Silva Santos (born 9 October 1992), known as Luiz Otavio, is a Brazilian footballer who plays as a central defender for Bahia.

Club Career

Born in Japeri, Rio de Janeiro, Luiz Otavio started his career in Fluminense's youth categories, but was released after only three months at the club. In 2010, aged 17, he moved to Fortaleza and joined Ferroviario-CE, but never played for the club.

Luiz Otavio subsequently represented Sao Cristovao and Bangu, making his senior debut with the latter as a forward on 22 September 2012 by coming on as a substitute and scoring the equalizer in a 1–1 Copa Rio away draw against Boavista. Back to his preferred position, he was subsequently loaned to Bonsucesso in 2013, achieving promotion from the Campeonato Carioca Serie B.

On 12 February 2015, after leaving Bangu through a court dispute, Luiz Otavio signed for Serie B side Luverdense. He made his debut in the category on 11 July, starting in a 0–0 away draw against CRB.

Luiz Otavio scored his first goal in the second tier on 24 October 2015, netting his team's first in a 3–2 loss at Bragantino. An undisputed starter during the following years, he moved to Chapecoense on a one-year loan deal on 5 January 2017.

On 4 April 2017, Luiz Otavio scored the winning goal of the first leg of the Recopa Sudamericana finals, giving his side a 2–1 lead.