Luiz has never played down his strong Christian beliefs and he has links with the Atletas de Cristo (Athletes of Christ) – a non-profit organisation that is made up of sportsmen and was started in Brazil in 1984. It is linked with the evangelical movement and counts Kaka and Lucio among its many devotees.

“My faith gives me the belief that I can go out and perform and improve as a player. It gives me strength and inspiration,” Luiz said last season.

The laying-on of hands on a team-mate is not something he practised at Benfica but he was famous there for the stickers on a van that he used to drive to training – one saying “Christ is life” and the other “God is Faith”.

When he left Portugal he nearly ended up at Real Madrid with Kaka, who he has often said inspires him “both on and off the pitch”. Asked about his future while still at the Portuguese club, Luiz said: “Everything in life belongs to God. Our purpose has already been mapped out.”

Fifa banned prayer in the last World Cup in reaction to Brazil celebrating their 2009 Confederations Cup victory in worship. The Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez gets down on his knees to pray before kick-off.