Luciano fires São Paulo into top 20 scorers with derby double | OneFootball

Luciano’s recent form for São Paulo has been one of the defining stories of the club’s season so far, with the forward delivering consistent performances in decisive fixtures under the guidance of coach Hernán Crespo.

Over the past five matches, Luciano has been directly involved in five key moments, either scoring or assisting, demonstrating a steady impact. In the most recent clássico against Corinthians on July 20, 2025, Luciano scored both goals in a 2-0 win, a performance that was crucial both in terms of points and morale. Crespo and local media highlighted his efficiency in front of goal and the timing of his interventions, which came at a delicate moment in the season.

Three days earlier, against RB Bragantino, Luciano shifted roles, providing two assists in a 2-2 draw. He managed four shots in that match, showing versatility by adapting his game to the team’s needs. In previous fixtures, Luciano registered a goal in the narrow loss to Bahia and was still active in attack during São Paulo’s defeat to Vasco, registering five attempts on goal despite not finding the net.

Across this recent five-match stretch, Luciano has three goals and two assists, with 15 shots and two yellow cards. He has avoided red cards, indicating a disciplined approach even as he shoulders much of the attacking responsibility.

Statistically, Luciano has surpassed his goal tally from last year and currently ranks as São Paulo’s second-highest scorer in 2025. He recently entered the club's top 20 all-time scorers, equalling records set by well-known figures in São Paulo’s history. His current average of 0.29 goals per game is an improvement over his 0.23 per game from the previous season, pointing to increased efficiency.

Within the squad and compared to other strikers in the league, Luciano stands out for contributing in high-pressure matches. He is now São Paulo’s third-leading scorer in the 21st century, trailing only Jonathan Calleri and Luís Fabiano for goals in this period. His ability to influence big matches, especially derbies and high-stakes encounters, has been a critical factor in São Paulo’s recent results.

Crespo’s tactical approach has used Luciano as both a second striker and an advanced playmaker, affording him the freedom to move and create. This change has allowed him to impact games beyond just finishing, linking play and contributing creatively in buildup phases.

Luciano has delivered strong campaigns before, with 21 goals each in 2020 and 2022, and has already reached 16 goals in 54 appearances in 2024, improving on his tally from 2023. The current run of five decisive actions in five consecutive matches marks one of his best sequences since joining the club. This consistency is especially relevant as São Paulo aims to steer clear of the relegation fight and push for higher objectives.

His sustained influence, particularly during this late-season phase, has reinforced his value to the squad. The run also highlights how his evolution as a player continues to shape São Paulo’s fortunes.

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