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Caio Lucas
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Caio Lucas Fernandes (born 19 April 1994), known as Caio Lucas or just Caio [ˈkajju], is a professional footballer who plays as a winger for UAE Pro League club Sharjah. Born in Brazil, he represents the United Arab Emirates at international level.
Key Information
Club career
[edit]Born in Araçatuba, São Paulo,[3] Caio Lucas started playing football in 2002, aged 8, at local clubs SMER Bosque Araçatuba and América-SP. He then played for São Paulo's youth teams from 2005 to 2009 but could not become professional, so he left the club and unsuccessfully tried to join rivals Santos and Palmeiras before returning to América. In 2011, when he was prepared to give up on football, he was discovered by a Japanese university that was playing in Birigui, Brazil.[4] Almost aged 17, he moved to Japan that year to enroll in Chiba Kokusai High School in Kimitsu, where he played for three years.[3][5]
After his graduation, Caio Lucas joined the J1 League club, the Kashima Antlers in 2014. In his first professional season, under the coaching of Toninho Cerezo, Caio scored eight goals as Kashima Antlers qualified for the AFC Champions League. Moreover, he was named J. League's Young Player of the Year in 2014 and won the 2016 J1 League and 2015 J.League Cup.[6] In 2019, following a three-year spell with Emirati club Al Ain, with whom he reached the 2018 FIFA Club World Cup Final, Caio signed a four-year contract with Portuguese club Benfica.[7][8]
On 23 January 2020, Sharjah signed Caio Lucas from Benfica on loan for 18 months.[9]
International career
[edit]Born in Brazil, Caio Lucas became a naturalized Emirati and was called up to the United Arab Emirates national team for the first time by manager Paulo Bento in March 2025 for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.[10] He made his debut for the UAE in a 2–0 loss to Iran on 20 March.[11][12]
Career statistics
[edit]Club
[edit]- As of match played 25 May 2025[13]
| Club | Season | League | National cup[a] | League cup[b] | Continental | Other | Total | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Kashima Antlers | 2014 | J1 League | 30 | 8 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 0 | — | — | 37 | 9 | ||
| 2015 | J1 League | 32 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 6[c] | 0 | — | 42 | 12 | ||
| 2016 | J1 League | 16 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | — | — | 21 | 6 | |||
| Total | 78 | 23 | 1 | 1 | 15 | 3 | 6 | 0 | — | 100 | 27 | |||
| Al Ain | 2016–17 | UAE Pro League | 24 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 6[c] | 2 | — | 37 | 15 | |
| 2017–18 | UAE Pro League | 19 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 10[c] | 3 | — | 38 | 15 | ||
| 2018–19 | UAE Pro League | 22 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 7[c] | 1 | 5[d] | 2 | 41 | 18 | |
| 2019–20 | UAE Pro League | — | — | — | 3[c] | 0 | — | 3 | 0 | |||||
| Total | 65 | 24 | 6 | 4 | 16 | 12 | 26 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 118 | 48 | ||
| Benfica | 2019–20 | Primeira Liga | 4 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3[e] | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 1 |
| Sharjah | 2019–20 | UAE Pro League | 26 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 6[c] | 2 | — | 34 | 5 | |
| 2020–21 | UAE Pro League | 21 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 5[c] | 1 | — | 31 | 8 | ||
| 2021–22 | UAE Pro League | 20 | 14 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 7[c] | 2 | 1[f] | 0 | 37 | 20 | |
| 2022–23 | UAE Pro League | 22 | 9 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 1 | — | 1[f] | 0 | 31 | 12 | ||
| 2023–24 | UAE Pro League | 22 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 8[c] | 2 | 1[f] | 0 | 35 | 14 | |
| 2024–25 | UAE Pro League | 23 | 12 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 12[g] | 5 | 0 | 0 | 42 | 25 | |
| Total | 134 | 54 | 20 | 12 | 15 | 6 | 38 | 12 | 3 | 0 | 210 | 84 | ||
| Career total | 281 | 102 | 29 | 17 | 48 | 21 | 73 | 18 | 8 | 2 | 439 | 160 | ||
- ^ Includes Emperor's Cup, UAE President's Cup, Taça de Portugal
- ^ Includes J.League Cup, UAE League Cup, Taça da Liga
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Appearances in AFC Champions League
- ^ One appearance and one goal in UAE Super Cup, four appearances and one goal in FIFA Club World Cup
- ^ Appearances in UEFA Champions League
- ^ a b c Appearance in UAE Super Cup
- ^ Appearances in AFC Champions League Two
International
[edit]- As of match played 18 November 2025[14]
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | 2025 | 7 | 2 |
| Total | 7 | 2 | |
- As of match played 18 November 2025
- United Arab Emirates score listed first, score column indicates score after each Caio Lucas goal
| No. | Date | Venue | Cap | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11 October 2025 | Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar | 4 | 2–1 | 2–1 | 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | |
| 2 | 18 November 2025 | Basra International Stadium, Basra, Iraq | 7 | 1–0 | 1–2 | 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification |
Honours
[edit]Kashima Antlers
Al Ain
- UAE Pro-League: 2017–18
- UAE President's Cup: 2017–18
- FIFA Club World Cup runner-up: 2018
Sharjah
- UAE President’s Cup: 2022–23
- AFC Champions League Two: 2024–25
Individual
- J.League Rookie of the Year: 2014
- FIFA Club World Cup Silver Ball: 2018[15]
- AFC Champions League Two Most Valuable Player: 2024–25[16]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2018: List of Players: Al Ain FC" (PDF). FIFA. 6 December 2018. p. 1. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 December 2018.
- ^ "Caio Lucas". UAE Pro League. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
- ^ a b Rodrigues, Alexander (21 December 2018). "Araçatuba terá representante na Final do Mundial de Clubes deste sábado" [Araçatuba will have a representative in the Club World Cup final this Saturday]. Folha da Região (in Portuguese). Retrieved 27 June 2019.
- ^ Desiludido após dispensa do São Paulo, ele foi estudar no Japão e acabou virando sheik nos Emirados: 'Só não tenho harém'
- ^ "J-League Preview: 8 Players to Watch in the Campaign to Come". Tokyo Weekender. 6 March 2015. Archived from the original on 18 June 2018. Retrieved 8 June 2015.
- ^ "Yasuhito Endo Pickedas 2014 J.LEAGUE Player of the Year December". J. League. 9 December 2014. Archived from the original on 4 February 2015. Retrieved 8 June 2015.
- ^ "Reforço do Benfica despede-se do Al Ain" [Benfica signing says goodbye to Al Ain] (in Portuguese). 27 May 2019. Retrieved 27 May 2019.
- ^ Rebelo, Marco (27 June 2019). "Bem-vindo, Caio Lucas!" [Welcome, Caio Lucas!]. S.L. Benfica (in Portuguese). Retrieved 27 June 2019.
- ^ "Sharjah signs Brazilian Caio Lucas Fernández from the Portuguese club Benfica on loan for 18 months". Twitter (in Arabic). 23 January 2020.
- ^ "Our squad for this month's World Cup 2026 Qualifiers against IR Iran and DPR Korea" (Tweet). Twitter.com. UAE NT. Retrieved 5 March 2025.
- ^ "Iran Dominates UAE 2-0 In World Cup Qualifier". The Pinnacle Gazette. 20 March 2025. Retrieved 4 April 2025.
- ^ "Sultan Adil returns to clinch UAE victory with stoppage-time goal against North Korea". The National News. 25 March 2025. Retrieved 2 April 2025.
- ^ Caio at Soccerway. Retrieved 10 December 2018.
- ^ "Caio Lucas: Internationals". worldfootball.net. HEIM:SPIEL. Retrieved 4 April 2025.
- ^ "Bale, Caio and Borre sweep awards". FIFA. 22 December 2018. Retrieved 11 January 2019.
- ^ "Instagram".
External links
[edit]- Caio Lucas at ForaDeJogo (archived)
- Caio Lucas at J.League (archive) (in Japanese)
Caio Lucas
View on GrokipediaEarly life and background
Early life
Caio Lucas Fernandes was born on 19 April 1994 in Araçatuba, a city in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.[8] He grew up in this inland Brazilian municipality, attending local public schools including José Machado Neto, Caic Ramona Martin Coelho, Vaniole Dionysio Marques Pavan, and IE Manoel Bento da Cruz.[8] From an early age, Caio developed a strong interest in football, deeply influenced by Brazil's pervasive football culture and the encouragement from his family, whom he has credited for supporting his initial pursuits in the sport.[8] In Araçatuba, where community engagement with the game is common, this environment fostered his passion before he entered more formal training programs.[3] At the age of 8, in 2002, Caio began playing football with neighborhood friends in Araçatuba, marking his first informal exposure to the sport amid the city's everyday social scenes.[8] This period laid the groundwork for his later involvement in local initiatives.Youth career
Caio Lucas began his structured youth football training in Brazil at the age of eight, joining the SMER Bosque Araçatuba academy in 2002 before moving to the América-SP academy later that year, where he developed his initial skills in a competitive environment.[9][8] By 2005, at age 11, he moved to the prestigious São Paulo FC youth academy, one of Brazil's most renowned development programs, and remained there until 2009. During this period, he showcased promising talent in the under-15 and under-17 squads, training alongside future stars such as Lucas Moura, Casemiro, and Rodrigo Caio, though physical concerns like his slender build initially hindered further progression.[10] After leaving São Paulo in 2009 without securing a professional pathway, Caio Lucas returned to América-SP for additional development, continuing to hone his abilities in the club's youth system through 2011.[8] This phase allowed him to regain momentum amid challenges, including unsuccessful trials at rivals Palmeiras and Santos due to his physique.[11] In 2011, at age 17, Caio Lucas was scouted during a selection trial organized by Chiba Kokusai High School in Brazil, leading to his relocation to Japan for further education and football integration. This opportunity, which he described as his "last chance," immersed him in the Japanese football system, combining academic studies with intensive training at the high school level until 2013.[3][1]Club career
Kashima Antlers
Caio Lucas signed his first professional contract with Kashima Antlers on 13 January 2014, following a successful stint in the club's youth system after moving from Brazil to attend Chiba Kokusai High School.[12] He made his senior debut for the club on 15 March 2014, coming on as a substitute in the 82nd minute during a 3–0 away victory over Sagan Tosu in the J1 League.[13] His first goal arrived shortly after, on 6 April 2014, when he scored the winner in a 2–0 away win against Gamba Osaka, helping secure an early boost to the team's campaign.[13] Over three seasons with Kashima Antlers from 2014 to 2016, Caio Lucas made 100 appearances and scored 27 goals across all competitions, emerging as a key attacking threat on the left wing.[14] In his debut 2014 season, he contributed 8 goals in 30 J1 League matches, aiding the team's qualification for the AFC Champions League the following year.[14] His form continued to develop in 2015, where he netted 10 goals in 32 league outings, while also playing a starring role in the J.League Cup triumph; he started in the final on 31 October 2015 and scored the third goal in a 3–0 victory over Gamba Osaka at Saitama Stadium.[15] Caio Lucas's contributions proved pivotal in Kashima Antlers' 2016 J1 League title win, their first since 2009, as he recorded 5 goals in 16 appearances during the split-season format before departing midway through the campaign.[14] His speed, dribbling ability, and goal-scoring instinct were instrumental in the team's high-pressing style under manager Masatada Ishii, helping secure the championship in a dramatic playoff against Urawa Red Diamonds.[16]Al Ain
Caio Lucas joined Al Ain in July 2016, signing a four-year contract for a transfer fee of €3 million from Kashima Antlers.[17] His move to the UAE Pro League was motivated by his prior achievements in Japan, where he had established himself as a prolific winger. During his debut season in 2016/17, he quickly adapted to the physical and tactical demands of the new league, contributing significantly to Al Ain's attacking play. He made his competitive debut for Al Ain on 11 August 2016 in a UAE Pro League match against Al Nasr. Over his three full seasons with the club from 2016 to 2019, Caio Lucas appeared in 65 league matches, scoring 24 goals and providing 22 assists, showcasing his versatility as a left winger with sharp finishing and creative playmaking. These contributions helped Al Ain win the 2017–18 UAE Pro League title, among other domestic successes.[4] Caio Lucas played a pivotal role in Al Ain's continental success, particularly during their 2018 AFC Champions League campaign, where he scored 3 goals in 6 appearances en route to the title victory. This triumph qualified Al Ain as UAE representatives for the 2018 FIFA Club World Cup, where they advanced to the final after defeating Team Wellington 4–3 on penalties following a 3–3 draw in the play-off round (with Caio Lucas scoring once) and edging River Plate 4–3 on penalties after a 2–2 semifinal draw. In the final on 22 December 2018, Al Ain finished as runners-up, losing 1–4 to Real Madrid despite taking an early lead through a penalty from Khalid Eisa.[18][19] His performances across these tournaments highlighted his ability to perform on major stages, blending speed, dribbling, and goal threat in high-stakes matches.Benfica
In June 2019, Benfica signed Brazilian winger Caio Lucas on a free transfer from Al Ain, agreeing to a four-year contract until 2023.[20][1] Caio Lucas made his debut for Benfica on 1 September 2019, coming on as a substitute for 16 minutes in a 4–0 Primeira Liga home win over SC Braga.[21] He went on to make 11 appearances across all competitions during the 2019–20 season, totaling 317 minutes of play, and scored his only goal for the club on 14 December 2019 in a 4–0 league victory against FC Famalicão, entering as a substitute in the 73rd minute.[22][23] His limited opportunities stemmed from intense competition for winger positions in a squad featuring established players like Pizzi and Rafa Silva, as well as challenges in adapting to European football's demands.[24] On 23 January 2020, amid his ongoing limited role, Benfica loaned Caio Lucas to UAE Pro League club Sharjah for 18 months, facilitating his return to familiar surroundings in the United Arab Emirates.[25] He made no further appearances for Benfica after the loan, and the arrangement transitioned to a permanent €2 million transfer in July 2021.[22][1]Sharjah
Caio Lucas joined Sharjah FC on an 18-month loan from Benfica on 23 January 2020.[25] During his loan spell across the 2019–20 and 2020–21 seasons, he featured in 42 matches and netted 9 goals across all competitions, helping the team secure a third-place finish in the UAE Pro League in 2020–21.[26] In July 2021, following the expiration of his loan, Sharjah completed a permanent transfer for €2 million and signed him to a three-year contract until 2024.[22][1] He extended his deal in December 2023, committing to the club until June 2027.[1] Since joining on loan, Caio Lucas has become a cornerstone of Sharjah's attack, amassing 188 appearances and 82 goals across all competitions as of October 2025.[26] His standout 2021–22 season saw him score 20 goals in 31 matches, finishing third in the UAE Pro League scoring charts with 14 league goals.[26] In the 2024–25 campaign, he recorded 25 goals in 42 outings, including notable contributions in cup competitions.[26] Caio Lucas played pivotal roles in Sharjah's domestic successes, scoring twice in the 2021–22 UAE President's Cup semi-final en route to the title and contributing to their repeat victory in 2022–23, the club's 10th in the competition.[27][28] On the continental stage, his efforts were instrumental in Sharjah's 2024–25 AFC Champions League Two triumph, where he earned Most Valuable Player honors with key goals and assists, marking the club's first continental title.[29] These performances have underpinned Sharjah's consistent qualifications for Asian Football Confederation tournaments, including the AFC Champions League Elite in 2025–26.[30]International career
Naturalization and debut
Caio Lucas was granted Emirati citizenship in early 2025, fulfilling the residency requirements under the UAE's naturalization laws for foreign athletes, which typically require at least five years of continuous residence to enable eligibility for national team representation.[31] This came after nearly a decade of professional experience in the region, including stints with Al Ain from 2016 to 2019 and Sharjah FC from 2020 onward.[1] His first call-up to the UAE senior national team occurred in March 2025 ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, marking a significant step in his transition to international football under manager Paulo Bento.[32] Caio Lucas made his competitive debut on 20 March 2025 against Iran in an AFC Asian qualifier, starting and playing 85 minutes in a 0–2 defeat.[2] He followed this with a start against North Korea on 25 March 2025, playing 73 minutes in a 2–1 victory.[2]UAE national team appearances
Caio Lucas earned his third cap on 5 June 2025 against Uzbekistan in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, starting and playing the full 90 minutes in a 0–0 draw.[2][33] On 11 October 2025, he started against Oman in another qualifier, scoring his maiden international goal in the 90+3rd minute to secure a 2–1 victory.[2][34] Three days later, on 14 October 2025, he started and played 90 minutes against Qatar in a 1–2 defeat.[2] His sixth appearance came on 13 November 2025 against Iraq in a World Cup play-off qualifier, substituting in for 45 minutes in a 1–1 draw.[2] As of 17 November 2025, Caio Lucas has six caps and one goal for the UAE.[2] Throughout these outings, Lucas has operated as a rotational winger, offering versatility and directness on the flanks to support the UAE's qualification efforts for the 2026 World Cup. His contributions have been instrumental in maintaining competitive balance in key fixtures.[2]Playing style and attributes
Technical skills
Caio Lucas exhibits exceptional dribbling speed and close control, enabling him to maneuver past defenders with agility and precision on the wing. During his tenure with Kashima Antlers in the J.League from 2014 to 2016, he showcased his ability to maintain possession under pressure and create scoring opportunities through individual skill. As a proficient right-footed shooter, Caio Lucas employs a distinctive curling technique that bends the ball around defenses, a trait prominently displayed in his 24 goals for Al Ain across various competitions, including notable long-range strikes that highlight his technical finesse and vision from distance. His crossing accuracy further underscores his technical repertoire, with precise deliveries into the penalty area contributing significantly to team assists and attacking transitions during the 2022–2023 season with Sharjah FC in the UAE Pro League.[35]Tactical role
Caio Lucas primarily features as a left winger in 4-3-3 formations, leveraging his pace and directness to stretch defenses and deliver crosses from wide areas, though his versatility allows him to switch to the right flank or operate as an attacking midfielder in more fluid systems.[36] This adaptability has been evident across leagues, enabling him to contribute both in transition play and structured build-up phases.[37] At Kashima Antlers, he emerged as a counter-attacking runner positioned on the left in a 4-2-3-1 setup, using his speed and ball control to exploit spaces during quick breaks and support the forward line with dynamic runs.[3] His role emphasized explosive transitions, aligning with the team's disciplined yet opportunistic style under coach Toninho Cerezo, where he quickly established himself as a starter with seven goals in his debut J1 League season.[3] As his career progressed to Al Ain and Sharjah, Caio Lucas transitioned into a more creative playmaker, focusing on key passes, dribbling through midfield, and clinical finishing to influence games from advanced positions.[38] At Al Ain, this evolution was highlighted by his scoring rate of nearly a goal every two matches, including vital contributions in continental fixtures that showcased his growing vision and composure under pressure.[38] Similarly, at Sharjah, he has thrived as a versatile wide creator, netting multiple goals in the 2024/25 AFC Champions League Two en route to being named the tournament's MVP.[7] In the UAE national team, Caio Lucas is frequently deployed as an impact substitute to inject width and pace, particularly in World Cup qualifiers, where his late-game interventions have proven decisive, such as scoring the winner against Oman in the 83rd minute to secure a 2-1 victory.[39]Personal life
Citizenship and family
Caio Lucas holds dual citizenship, retaining his Brazilian nationality by birth while acquiring United Arab Emirates citizenship through naturalization in early 2025. Born on April 19, 1994, in Araçatuba, São Paulo state, Brazil, he became eligible for selection to the UAE national team following the naturalization process, which was completed ahead of his first call-up in March 2025.[1][32][40] This dual status reflects his long-term residency in the UAE since joining Al Ain in 2016, where he has built a professional career in the UAE Pro League. The naturalization aligns with UAE policies facilitating integration of expatriate athletes who have contributed significantly to local football. Despite his commitments in the UAE, Caio Lucas maintains strong personal ties to his Brazilian roots, including family connections in Araçatuba. He has three children, Pietro, Matteo, and Mavie.[35][41][42]Career statistics
Club statistics
Caio Lucas has amassed a total of 407 appearances and 149 goals in club football as of 17 November 2025.[43] His club career spans multiple leagues, with the following breakdown by primary clubs:| Club | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Kashima Antlers | 100 | 27 |
| Al Ain | 101 | 39 |
| Benfica | 11 | 1 |
| Sharjah | 195 | 82 |
International statistics
Caio Lucas has represented the United Arab Emirates national team since his naturalization, accumulating 6 caps and 1 goal as of 13 November 2025. All of his international appearances to date have occurred in AFC World Cup/Asian Cup qualifying matches, with no participation in finals tournaments.[2] His contributions include a total of 473 minutes played and 0 assists across these outings. Lucas scored his lone international goal in a 2–1 victory against Oman on 11 October 2025, sealing the win with a late strike during the World Cup qualifiers. He also featured in subsequent qualifiers against Qatar (14 October 2025) and Iraq (13 November 2025).[34][45][46] The following table summarizes his international statistics by competition:| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFC World Cup/Asian Cup Qualifiers | 6 | 1 | 0 | 473 |
| Total | 6 | 1 | 0 | 473 |
