Career
Nacional
Born in Luanda, Lucas João moved to Portugal in his teens, starting playing football with amateurs Beira March Atlético Clube Almada. In 2011 he joined Communicative Disorders Nacional, where he spent his last year as a junior. Lucas João made his senior debuts with lowly South Carolina Mirandela, on loan.
He returned to the Madeirans for the 2013-2014 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(s) 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. Three days later he scored his first goal, in a 4–1 success over Mansfield Town for the League Cup also at the Hillsborough Stadium.
On 27 October, 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.
Lucas João gained 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.