Luís Pedro Cavanda was born in Luanda, Angola, on January 2, 1991. His mother is Congolese and his father Angolan but he moved to Belgium at a young age so holds Belgian nationality (plus Congolese citizenship).
Cavanda's youth career started at Standard Liège but in 2007 at the age of sixteen he joined Lazio Primavera (U-19's).
In 2009 he made his first team debut, as a substitute, in an away Europa League game against Levski Sofia in Bulgaria. His first start came in the return match against the Bulgarians.
His Serie A debut came as a substitute away at Sampdoria on August 29, 2010. His first league start was against Milan on September 22. He played well against the likes of Ronaldinho and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. That season however, under manager Edy Reja he would only make three league appearances.
The following year he was loaned to Torino but again only played three Serie A games.
In 2011-12 he was sent on loan to Bari in Serie B where he got eight league games.
He then returned to Lazio and in 2012-13 under Vladimir Petkovic he played 14 league games, 3 in Coppa Italia and 7 in Europe. He was part of the squad that went down in history beating city rivals Roma in the final of the Coppa Italia, on May 26.
The next season, first under Petkovic and then Reja, Cavanda played 19 league games (with first and only goal vs Chievo), 3 in Coppa Italia and 7 in Europe.
The 2014-15 season would be the Belgian's last with Lazio. He made 16 Serie A appearances plus 2 in Coppa Italia. He closed his Lazio experience after 80 games for the Biancocelesti.
He has since played in Turkey with Trabzonspor (27 games in one year) and Galatasaray (13 games in one year). In 2018 he returned to Standard Liège (49 games in 2 years with 2 goals) and won the Belgian Cup. He is currently playing in Switzerland for Neuchâtel Xamax although he suffered a serious injury early in the season.
At International level he has represented Belgium at Under 18's (10 games), Under 19's (9 games), Under 21's (7 games) and also has 2 full Belgium caps (Andorra and Italy)
Cavanda is a right full-back who can also play in midfield. He has good athleticism and is strong going forward. He played two years in the Lazio youth sector so was considered almost homegrown but never really fulfilled his potential in Rome. He seemed to lack confidence and often went for the easiest option. Whether it was ambition he was missing, continuity or something else, he never broke through to become a reliable, regular player. He had some good games, especially under Petkovic, but will not be remembered as one of the great full-backs at Lazio. In his favour he always had the fanciest and best hairstyle but unfortunately for Cavanda that's not a fan priority.
Lazio career
Season | Total appearances (goals) | Serie A | Coppa Italia | Europa League | Super Coppa |
2012-13 | 24 | 14 | 3 | 7 | - |
2013-14 | 29 (1) | 19 (1) | 2 | 7 | 1 |
2014-15 | 18 | 16 | 2 | - | - |
Total | 80 (1) | 53 (1) | 10 | 16 | 1 |
Sources