Luiz Carlos grew up in Porto Alegre, Brazil and began his career with Rio Branco at the age of 19 in 1999.
After his impressive play for Juventus, he was bought by Portuguese team Paços de Ferreira.
He made his debut for Paços at home to CD Nacional in a 1–0 loss on 21 August 2005 when he came on as a substitute, playing only six minutes.
With Luiz Carlos and his defence-partners forming the nucleus of the club, the 2006–07 season was their most successful in their history: they finished in sixth place and earned a berth in the UEFA Cup.
South China AA convener Steven Lo announced on 6 July 2009 that Luiz Carlos has joined South China AA for the 2009–10 Hong Kong First Division League and AFC Cup 2009 season.