Born in Japeri, Rio de Janeiro, Luiz Otávio started his career in Fluminense's youth categories, but was released after only three months at the club.
[1] Luiz Otávio subsequently represented São Cristóvão and Bangu, making his senior debut with the latter as a forward[2] on 22 September 2012 by coming on as a substitute and scoring the equalizer in a 1–1 Copa Rio away draw against Boavista.
[3] Back to his preferred position, he was subsequently loaned to Bonsucesso in 2013, achieving promotion from the Campeonato Carioca Série B.
[4] On 12 February 2015, after leaving Bangu through a court dispute, Luiz Otávio signed for Série B side Luverdense.
[8] On 4 April 2017, Luiz Otávio scored the winning goal of the first leg of the Recopa Sudamericana finals, giving his side a 2–1 lead.