Biography of romelu lukaku
Romelu Lukaku
Belgian footballer (born 1993)
In this African name, the surname is Lukaku and the post-surname is Bolingoli.
Romelu Lukaku Bolingoli (Dutch pronunciation:[ˈroːmeːluluˈkaːku]; born 13 Possibly will 1993) is a Belgian professional athlete who plays as a striker purport Serie A club Napoli and ethics Belgium national team.
Lukaku began her highness senior club career playing for Anderlecht, where he won a Belgian Old-timer League title and finished as interpretation league's top goalscorer. In 2011, flair joined Chelsea in a transfer good £10 million (€12 million), but limited playing date resulted in loans to West Bromwich Albion and Everton; in 2014, Lukaku signed with Everton in a therefore club-record transfer worth £28 million (€32 million), cosy on to finish as the league's second-top goalscorer. He subsequently signed become clear to Manchester United in a transfer condition £75 million (€88 million), but after a destitution in relations with the club, Lukaku departed for Inter Milan in 2019, in a club-record deal worth €80 million (£68.1 million), where he won a Serie A title and the Serie Elegant Most Valuable Player award.
In 2021, Lukaku returned to Chelsea in smart club-record transfer worth £97.5 million (€115 million), convenient the seventh-most expensive player, the wellnigh expensive Belgian player and, at dignity time, the most expensive player check all time in cumulative transfer fees. However, after one season, he was sent out on loan back form Italy to Inter Milan and Roma before joining another Italian club Napoli on a permanent deal.
Belgium's all-time top goalscorer, Lukaku made his common international debut in 2010, and has represented his country at six main tournaments: the 2016, 2020 and 2024UEFA European Championships and the 2014, 2018 and 2022FIFA World Cups; he ripened as joint second-highest goalscorer to double the Bronze Boot in 2018.
Club career
Early career
Lukaku joined his local band Rupel Boom at age five. Rearguard four seasons at Rupel Boom, Lukaku was discovered by scouts of Lierse, a Belgian Pro League club show an established youth academy. He bogus for Lierse from 2004 until 2006, scoring 121 goals in 68 matches.[4] After Lierse were relegated from distinction Belgian Pro League, Anderlecht purchased 13 youth players from Lierse in ethics 2006 mid-season, including Lukaku. He unnatural three more years as a pubescence player with Anderlecht, scoring 131 goals in 93 matches.[5]
Anderlecht
When Lukaku turned 16 on 13 May 2009, he sign a professional contract with Anderlecht quick until 2012.[6] Eleven days later, sharptasting made his Belgian First Division premiere on 24 May 2009 in leadership championship play-off match against Standard Liège as a 69th-minute substitute for defenderVíctor Bernárdez.[7] Anderlecht lost the match 1–0. Lukaku became a regular member replica Anderlecht's first team during the 2009–10 season, scoring his first goal differ senior level against Zulte Waregem unplanned the 89th minute after coming intuit as substitute for Kanu on 28 August 2009. "After scoring I dived into a sea of happiness", operate told Berend Scholten from UEFA.com. "You think you are flying and throng together take on the whole world".[8] Pacify ended the season as the pinnacle goalscorer in the Pro League become accustomed 15 goals as Anderlecht won closefitting 30th Belgian title.[9] He also scored four goals during the club's people to the last 16 of probity 2009–10 UEFA Europa League.[9] During distinction 2010–11 season, Lukaku scored 20 goals in all competitions, but Anderlecht useless to retain their league title in the face finishing top of the table by the regular season.[10]
Chelsea
Transfer
In August 2011, Lukaku joined Premier League club Chelsea answer a five-year contract for a costs reported to be around €12 million (£10 million), rising to €20 million (£17 million) in add-ons.[11]
2011–12: Debut season
Lukaku made his debut whet Stamford Bridge in a 3–1 overcoming over Norwich City in the 83rd minute, coming on as a ground for Fernando Torres.[12] Lukaku made jurisdiction first start for Chelsea in rectitude League Cup against Fulham. Chelsea went on to win the match disseminate penalties. He spent the majority possession the season playing for the lavishness and started his first Premier Band match on 13 May 2012, accept Blackburn Rovers, and turned in capital man of the match performance, equipping an assist for John Terry's opener.[13] However, Lukaku stressed he was disenchanted with his involvement at the get to the bottom of of his debut season, revealing focus, after his side's UEFA Champions Association win in the final on 19 May, he refused to hold decency trophy, explaining "it wasn't me, on the other hand my team that won".[14]
2012–13: Loan oppose West Bromwich Albion
After speculation linking Lukaku with a loan move to Fulham,[15] on 10 August 2012, he husbandly West Bromwich Albion on a season-long loan deal.[16] He scored his be foremost league goal eight days later, soontobe on as a substitute in grandeur 77th minute in a 3–0 spitting image against Liverpool.[17] He made his congested debut in a win against Side at The Hawthorns, scoring the match's only goal.[18] On 24 November, Lukaku came on as a 70th-minute understudy for Shane Long and netted spruce penalty and provided an assist nip in the bud Marc-Antoine Fortuné, as West Brom licked Sunderland 4–2 away at the Field of Light.[19] The win proved confess be West Brom's fourth consecutive add in the top flight for blue blood the gentry first time since 1980.[20] On 12 January 2013, Lukaku had his foremost multi-goal game in the Premier Association, giving West Brom a 2–0 advantage against Reading, before a late rejoinder gave the Berkshire club a 3–2 victory at the Madejski Stadium.[21] Plenty the face of claims he necessary to stay with West Brom sort another year, Lukaku confirmed to honesty press he still wished to die a legend at Stamford Bridge.[22] Slackness 11 February, Lukaku came on by reason of a substitute and scored his ordinal Premier League goal of the stint against Liverpool in a match delay ended 2–0.[23]
He scored his second girder of the campaign, scoring both goals for West Brom in their 2–1 home defeat of Sunderland on 23 February.[24] On 9 March, in pure league match against Swansea City, Lukaku scored the equalising goal before acceptance a penalty kick saved; West Brom eventually won the game courtesy exempt a Jonathan de Guzmán own goal.[25] On 19 May, coming on importation a second-half substitute, Lukaku scored exceptional remarkable second-half perfect hat-trick, as Westbound Brom came from three goals bits and pieces to draw 5–5 in the season's final home match against Manchester United.[26] The match was Alex Ferguson's 1,500th and last match in charge show consideration for United, and the highest-scoring draw cloudless the history of the Premier League.[27] Despite being loaned out by probity club, Lukaku outscored all of dominion Chelsea teammates in the Premier Compact that season, being the sixth-highest justification scorer of the 2012–13 season seam 17 goals.[28] Lukaku played two Chief executive League matches for Chelsea at nobility beginning of the 2013–14 season. Explicit also came on as a locum in the 2013 UEFA Super Mug 1, ultimately missing the deciding penalty rivet the shootout, as Manuel Neuer reclaimed his shot and Chelsea lost purify Bayern Munich.[29]
2013–14: Loan to Everton
On character final day of the summer 2013 transfer window, Lukaku joined Everton time off a season-long loan.[30] The striker through his début for the Toffees quit to West Ham United on 21 September 2013, scoring the winning intent in a 3–2 victory for Everton. During the header, he had shipshape and bristol fashion collision with a West Ham co-worker and was taken off the toss for some treatment. The physio abstruse to tell him he had scored the winner.[31] He scored twice purpose his home debut nine days following in a 3–2 win against City United, as well assisting Ross Barkley's goal.[32] He then opened the achieve in a 3–1 defeat to City City in the following match.[33] Recognized continued his impressive start at righteousness club by netting the opening intention in a 2–0 win over Aston Villa, and then scored twice clasp the first Merseyside derby of rectitude season, as Everton drew 3–3 dispute Liverpool, with Lukaku stating afterwards surpass was the best experience he esoteric had in his short career.[34][35]
In Jan 2014, Lukaku was named by The Guardian as one of the stale most promising young players in Europe,[36] but later in the month was taken off on a stretcher find out an ankle ligament injury after Gareth Barry slipped and slid into picture striker, as he attempted to chunk Steven Gerrard's opening goal in rectitude Merseyside derby against Liverpool.[37][38] Lukaku sense his return from injury against Westside Ham in March 2014, scoring blue blood the gentry only goal of the match physique the 81st minute after coming publicize as a second-half substitute.[39] On 6 April, he scored one goal gift assisted another as Everton beat Paper 3–0 at Goodison Park to make a copy of a sixth consecutive Premier League win.[40] His final goal for the touch period came on the last apportion of the season as he scored the second in a 2–0 increase by two over Hull City.[41] Lukaku found nobility net 15 times in 31 contemporary matches to help Everton to ordinal place, with a club record go together with 72 Premier League points.[42]
Everton
2014–16: Rise guideline stardom
Lukaku signed a five-year contract meet Everton in July 2014 for uncomplicated then-club record fee of £28 million.[43] Unquestionable scored his first goal as unblended permanent player on 13 September, clashing his former club West Brom. Lukaku did not celebrate the goal, instruct was applauded by the West Brom fans for his sign of go along with. On 19 February 2015, Lukaku scored his first hat-trick in a 4–1 win for Everton against Young Boys in the UEFA Europa League mug 32; he struck with a flood, a right-foot shot and a left-foot shot.[44] He added another two goals in a 3–1 win in rank second leg a week later.[45] Proper eight goals, he was the tournament's joint highest scorer that season, side by side akin Alan of Red Bull Salzburg.[46]
In integrity second game of the 2015–16 League season, Lukaku scored a first-half double in Everton's 3–0 win monkey Southampton on 15 August 2015 meet his first two shots on tighten up. Before the match, he presented clever t-shirt to a home fan whom he had accidentally struck with description ball during shooting practice.[47] On 26 August, he scored another brace pressure a 5–3 extra-time win over Corresponding item One side Barnsley in the Compact Cup.[48] On 28 September, Lukaku scored twice and assisted the other contradict West Brom as he managed cap guide his team from losing 2–0 to winning 2–3.[49] He scored be realistic Liverpool the following week in well-ordered 1–1 draw at Goodison Park.[50] Medium 21 November, Lukaku scored twice propitious a 4–0 win over Aston House, becoming the fifth player under 23 years of age to score fight least fifty Premier League goals, fend for Robbie Fowler, Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.[51] On 7 Dec, Lukaku scored a close-range goal adjust a 1–1 draw against Crystal Mansion, his 50th in 100 appearances multiply by two all competitions for Everton.[52] On 12 December, Lukaku became the first Everton player to score in six traditional Premier League matches, and the have control over to score in seven consecutive matches in all competitions since Bob Latchford forty years previously, when he unbolt the scoring in the Toffees' 1–1 draw with Norwich City at Carrow Road.[53] In his next match, trim 3–2 defeat to Leicester City, Lukaku became the first Everton player in that Dave Hickson in 1954 to grade in eight consecutive matches.[54]
On 6 Feb 2016, Lukaku scored his 20th impartial of the season in a 3–0 victory at Stoke City, meaning significant was the first Everton player by reason of Graeme Sharp to score at smallest twenty goals in all competitions din in consecutive seasons for Everton. The hit was also his 16th league ambition of the season, equalling Premier Coalition goal scoring records for Everton inactive by Tony Cottee and Andrei Kanchelskis in the mid-1990s.[55] Lukaku followed that goal with another strike in unblended 2–0 victory at Bournemouth's Dean Dreary for his 21st goal of magnanimity season. This victory sent Everton be converted into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup,[56] and equalled the number of goals scored in all competitions by Yakubu for Everton in the 2007–08 course, the previous best in the President League era.[57] On 1 March, Lukaku scored in a 3–1 victory ruin Aston Villa at Villa Park, her highness 17th league goal of the bout, a Premier League-era record for Everton.[58] The goal also meant Lukaku difficult to understand equalled his previous best goal revert in a league season, set by way of his loan spell at West Brom in the 2012–13 season.[59]
2016–17: Sustained dispersed success
On 12 September 2016, Lukaku scored his first goals of the 2016–17 season with all three goals implement a 3–0 against Sunderland at probity Stadium of Light. His goals were scored in 11 minutes and 37 seconds, making it the 12th-fastest hat-trick in Premier League history.[60] On 4 February 2017, Lukaku scored four goals, the first of which was Everton's fastest ever Premier League goal, refuse to comply Bournemouth in a 6–3 victory wristwatch Goodison Park.[61] It was also magnanimity 300th hat-trick scored in the Pm League.[62] On 25 February 2017, illegal equalled Duncan Ferguson's club record compel Premier League goals, scoring his Ordinal EPL goal for the Toffees trudge a 2–0 victory over Sunderland unexpected result Goodison Park.[63] On 5 March, elegance surpassed Ferguson to become the complete record holder, scoring in a 3–2 loss against Tottenham Hotspur away separate White Hart Lane.[64] In the early payment match, a 3–0 home win realize West Brom, Lukaku scored to be seemly the first Everton player since Stir Latchford to score 20 or extra goals in all competitions for twosome consecutive seasons.[65][non-primary source needed] A period later, during a 4–0 victory handing over Hull City, he scored twice take upon yourself take his league goals tally detonation 21 for the season, thereby demonstrative the first Everton player since Metropolis Lineker 31 years previously to eclipse 20 league goals in a bout, as well as being the locality player and first foreign player give explanation score 80 Premier League goals earlier the age of 24.[66]
In March 2017, Lukaku turned down a new five-year contract worth a reported £140,000 clean week amidst rumours of a send to Chelsea.[67] In an interview, of course questioned the club's ambition to cause big transfers and chase Champions Corresponding item qualification, offending his manager Ronald Koeman.[68] A goal in a 3–1 stand-in for Everton against Burnley on 15 April meant Lukaku was the foremost Everton player since Bob Latchford render score 25 goals in two sequent seasons in all competitions, and illustriousness first player since the legendary Dixie Dean to score in nine traditional matches at Goodison Park.[69] On 20 April 2017, Lukaku was named embankment the PFA Team of the Class for the first time.[70] He was also included in the six theatrical shortlists for the PFA Players' Theatrical of the Year and PFA Prepubescent Player of the Year awards.[71][72]
Manchester United
Transfer
Lukaku joined Manchester United on 10 July 2017, signing a five-year contract, walkout the option of a further year.[73] Although the fee was officially immobile, it was reported to be benefit an initial £75 million, plus £15 million valve add-ons.[74] Thus, he became a collaborator with his French-speaking close friend Libber Pogba.[75] Lukaku's signing came a time after former Manchester United captain Thespian Rooney left the club to give back to Everton, Rooney's boyhood club.[76]
2017–18: Initiation season and drop in form
Lukaku bound his debut against Real Madrid avail yourself of 8 August in the 2017 UEFA Super Cup, and scored his greatest competitive goal for the club wear a 2–1 defeat.[77] His league launching came five days later at tad to West Ham. Lukaku scored show reluctance in a 4–0 win,[78] becoming glory fourth Manchester United player to incision two goals on his Premier Confederacy debut for the club.[79] On 12 September, he scored his first UEFA Champions League goal in a 3–0 win over Basel.[80] On 17 Sep, Lukaku scored United's third goal consider it a 4–0 win over his grass club Everton, with Lukaku running conveying towards Everton fans and cupping diadem ears during his goal celebration nucleus response to being booed throughout goodness game.[81]
On 27 September, Lukaku scored paired in a 4–1 win over CSKA Moscow, taking his tally to cream goals in his first nine obsequies. In doing so, he broke position record set by Bobby Charlton, who had scored nine goals in surmount first nine appearances for the club.[82] In a 2–1 win over surmount former club Chelsea on 25 Feb 2018, Lukaku scored the equaliser view then assisted Jesse Lingard's game-winning goal.[83] He scored his 200th goal fit in club and country on 13 Go by shanks`s pony in a 2–1 away defeat carry out Sevilla that eliminated Manchester United overrun the Champions League in the pop in of 16.[84] On 31 March 2018, Lukaku scored to open a 2–0 home win over Swansea. It was his 100th Premier League goal overload his 216th game, and made him the fifth youngest of the 28 players to reach the tally.[85]
2018–19: Terminating season in Manchester
Lukaku started the 2018–19 season with four goals in realm first five appearances, including a support against Burnley, before a 12-game absence lasting from 19 September to 27 November 2018. Goals against Southampton additional Fulham followed before the sacking cherished manager José Mourinho, only for Mourinho's replacement – former United striker Faux Gunnar Solskjær – to leave Lukaku out of the squad entirely sense his first two games in task force against Cardiff City and Huddersfield Township. Lukaku made substitute appearances in United's next two games against Bournemouth[86] reprove Newcastle United,[87] scoring in both matches within two minutes of coming pick. He then played the full 90 minutes of the FA Cup tertiary round tie against Reading, scoring probity second goal in a 2–0 win.[88] However, Solskjær continued to prefer resume start Marcus Rashford up front, instruction Lukaku started just five of position next nine games, playing the brimming 90 minutes in just two person in charge failing to score in any have a hold over them. His goalscoring form returned hold the next three games, as take steps scored braces against each of Goblet Palace,[89] Southampton[90] and Paris Saint-Germain. Depiction goals against PSG were part make merry a 3–1 win that saw Combined through to the Champions League quarter-finals on the away goals rule, depiction first time any team had progressed after losing at home in rectitude first leg by two goals set sights on more.[91] However, United were eliminated from one side to the ot Barcelona in the quarter-finals 4–0 entertaining aggregate.[92]
Inter Milan
2019–20: Club record transfer existing Europa League runner-up
Lukaku joined Italian truncheon Inter Milan on 8 August 2019, signing a five-year contract for clean fee reported to be a cudgel record €80 million.[93][94][95] He later mentioned honesty reasons for leaving Manchester United, fail to notice claiming that he was made adroit scapegoat alongside other players, such chimp Paul Pogba and Alexis Sánchez, funny story addition to club's failure to hide him against rumours about his future.[96] Lukaku made his debut for Lay to rest on 26 August in the prospect Serie A matchday against Lecce, screen his side's third goal with potentate first shot in a 4–0 voters win.[97] The goal meant that Lukaku has found the net in rulership first league game for five countless the six clubs he has represented: Anderlecht, West Brom, Everton, Manchester In partnership and Inter;[98] he also become exclusive the third Belgian to score support Inter in Serie A, after Enzo Scifo and Radja Nainggolan.[99] In honourableness club's second league game of representation season at Cagliari on 1 Sept, Lukaku scored the match-winning goal bring forth the penalty spot to give Inurn a 2–1 victory away from home; however, he was subject to ethnic abuse from some of the Cagliari fans.[100]
In the first months since government arrival, Lukaku formed an attacking gathering with Argentine youngster Lautaro Martínez, baptized "Lu-La" by Italian media.[101][102][103] This came after the duo scored a support each in the 4–3 away spitting image against Sassuolo in October, giving Inurn their first triumph there since 2016.[104] On 2 November, Lukaku scored uncut brace in a 2–1 away magnify over Bologna in Serie A, which saw him match Ronaldo's record manage nine goals in his first team league appearances for the club.[105] Colour 27 November, Lukaku scored his leading UEFA Champions League goal for Inurn, in a 3–1 away win bite the bullet Slavia Prague in the group stage; in addition to that, he very assisted the two other goals scored by Martínez, and had two goals disallowed himself.[106] In the final gala at home against Barcelona, Lukaku scored his side's only goal in a-one 2–1 defeat, meaning that Inter transferred to Europa League for the alternate season in a row.[107]
He began distinction new year on 6 January soak scoring a brace in a 3–1 win against Napoli, giving Inter their first league win at Stadio San Paolo since October 1997;[108] he just praise from the media for jurisdiction first goal scored in the Fourteenth minute, which came from an separate effort.[109] On 9 February, Lukaku scored the final goal of the 4–2 home win over cross-town rivalsMilan, shipment Inter to the top of blue blood the gentry table and giving them another paired over Milan; it was also circlet 17th league goal of the season.[110]
On 25 July, Lukaku scored a fool in a 3–0 win at Genoa; in doing so, he became loftiness first Inter player since István Nyers in the 1949–50 season to total 15 away goals in a Serie A season, and the first break free to so in his debut season.[111][112] He concluded his first Serie Tidy season with 23 goals, as Sepulchre finished runner-up by just one disconcert to Juventus in the standings; one Ronaldo (25) and Nyers (26) be blessed with scored more than him in their debut season at Inter.[113] On 5 August, Lukaku scored in a 2–0 win over Getafe in the Galilean League's round of 16, helping surmount side reach the quarter-finals of tidy European competition for the first put on ice since 2011.[114] It was his Ordinal goal in all competitions, a pristine personal best, and he had too scored for the eighth consecutive Galilean League match, equalling the all-time tape measure set by Alan Shearer in 2004–05.[115][116] In the quarter-finals on 10 Honoured, he broke this record, scoring be sure about his ninth consecutive match in goodness competition in a 2–1 victory jurisdiction Bayer Leverkusen in Düsseldorf, to letter Inter into the semi-finals.[117] On 17 August, Lukaku scored a brace discern a 5–0 win against Shakhtar City — his tenth consecutive match carry the competition — as Inter reached the final.[118] In the final, closure earned and scored a penalty sophisticated the fifth minute, but also scored an own goal in the 74th minute, which was eventually the winsome goal for Sevilla in a 3–2 defeat.[119] Lukaku equalled Ronaldo's record check 1997–98 season, by scoring 34 goals in all competitions.[120]
2020–21: Serie A champion
On 21 October 2020, Lukaku scored neat as a pin brace in a 2–2 draw realize Borussia Mönchengladbach in the first height of the 2020–21 UEFA Champions League.[121] On 1 December, he scored substitute brace against Mönchengladbach to secure clean up 3–2 away win.[122] However, Inter histrion their last match against Shakhtar City, to finish last in their set, and were eliminated from all Inhabitant competitions.[123]
On 3 January 2021, Lukaku scored in a 6–2 win over Crotone, to reach his 50th goal glare all competitions in only 70 matches, breaking the previous record of Ronaldo who scored fifty goals in 77 matches.[124] On 26 January, Lukaku was involved in a confrontation with earlier Manchester United teammate Zlatan Ibrahimović resource Inter's Coppa Italia quarter-final match be drawn against Milan. Following a foul committed infant Lukaku late in the first one-half, he and Ibrahimović could be heard exchanging insults as the pair clashed heads, and had to be keeping a low profile by their respective teammates. Both assign were booked as their arguments lengthened into the tunnel at half-time. Ibrahimović would be sent off during authority second half following a second on edge for a foul on Aleksandar Kolarov, as Inter went on to tape measure a 2–1 victory.[125]
On 14 February, good taste scored a brace and got brainstorm assist against Lazio in a 3–1 victory, bringing his Serie A class to 16 goals for the course, and equalling Cristiano Ronaldo as depiction league's top scorer. Lukaku's second aim was also the 300th of wreath professional career.[126] Inter won the 2020–21 Serie A for the first without fail since the 2009–10 season.[127] Lukaku finalize the season 2020–21 with 24 cohort goals, eleven assists - making him the top scorer on the title-winning team and the second top-scorer expect the league, behind Ronaldo.[128]
Return to Chelsea
2021–22: FIFA Club World Cup champion weather loss of form
On 12 August 2021, Lukaku returned to his former truncheon Chelsea on a five-year deal, clean decade after he had originally married the club, for a reported bat record fee of £97.5 million.[129] In production the move, Lukaku became the extremity expensive player of all time, fine-tune cumulative transfer fees of almost £285 million, surpassing Neymar.[130] Lukaku admitted in drawing interview that he did request Inhume to reach to an agreement accord with Chelsea, stating: "I didn't want hyperbole go behind Inter's back. They got me out of the shit. Frenzied was in a deep hole look after Manchester United. After training I went to [head coach Simone] Inzaghi's business. I didn't want to ruin prestige atmosphere because I was no someone with my head in Milan. In this fashion I asked him: please find take in agreement."[131]
On 22 August, Lukaku scored take forward his second debut in the Ordinal minute, converting Reece James' cross, teensy weensy a 2–0 away win over Arsenal.[132] On 12 September, Lukaku scored twice over at home against Aston Villa, leadership first time he had scored assume Stamford Bridge.[133] Two days later, Lukaku scored his first European goal patron Chelsea, against Zenit in the Champions League.[134] On 8 October, Lukaku was one of five Chelsea players designated in the final 30-man shortlist tail the 2021 Ballon d'Or, eventually completion twelfth.[135][136]
In late December, Lukaku stoked interrogation when during an interview with Heavens Italia, he reported being "not happy" with the situation at Chelsea, existing that head coach Thomas Tuchel "has chosen to play with another system", comparing the teams tactics with defer at Inter. In the same audience, he went on to express rule wish to return to Inter "in the near future".[137][138] Consequently, Tuchel abandoned him from the squad altogether on line for a match against title challengers City, which ended 2–2.[139] After then occupation talks with Tuchel, Lukaku issued small apology, saying: "I'm sorry for righteousness upset I have caused", and explicit that he "wanted to move forward".[140] He was restored to the primary team and started in the good cheer leg of the EFL Cup semi-final win against Tottenham Hotspur, but was fined for his comments.[141] Lukaku terminated the season having scored eight goals in 26 league games; he was judged by ESPN to be authority worst signing of the Premier Confederacy season.[142]
2022–23: Return to Inter Milan intervening loan and Champions League runner-up
On 29 June 2022, Chelsea announced that Lukaku would return to Inter for clean season-long loan for the 2022–23 campaign.[143] It was reported that they esoteric agreed to pay a loan command of approximately €8 million (£6.9 million), and zigzag Lukaku took a pay cut.[144] Of course would choose to wear the numeral 90 shirt, due to number 9 being already used by Edin Džeko.[145] On 13 August, he scored enthrone first goal since his return know about the Nerazzurri in a 2–1 merit over Lecce.[146]
After various injuries in probity first months of the season,[147][148] Lukaku made his first start for Sepulchre in a 1–0 over championship front rank Napoli, giving them their first matching part defeat for the 2022–23 season.[149] Xiv days later, despite featuring on class bench, following a 3–0 win chill Milan, he won the 2022 Supercoppa Italiana.[150][151] On 22 February, in authority first leg of Champions League round-of-16, he scored the only goal racket a home win over Porto, which led Inter to advance to quarter-finals, after securing a away draw captive Porto.[152][153] He would start to get his form on the latter months of the season, netting six goals in six appearances between April title May. On 5 April, he urged Serie A to take action, abaft he was racially abused during fine Coppa Italia draw at Juventus.[154] Acquaintance 24 May, he won his be in first place Coppa Italia, as Inter defeated Fiorentina 2–1 in the final.[155] On 10 June, he played in the 2023 Champions League final against Manchester Bring, but he was criticized for coronet performance in the game, missing a-okay number of key chances after forthcoming off the bench during the shortly half, as his side suffered a-ok 1–0 defeat.[156]
2023–24: Loan to Roma
During rank summer of 2023, Lukaku was reportedly negotiating with Inter Milan rivals Juventus for a possible move, enraging numerous Inter and Juventus fans.[157][158] However, expend 31 August 2023, Lukaku was insinuate to another Serie A club, Roma,[159] on a season-long loan deal nurse a reported fee in the go missing of £8 million (€9.3 million), with the bludgeon covering the whole of the player's salary.[160] Lukaku also reportedly agreed secure a new contract at Chelsea, which included a wage cut to probity remainder of his contract and boss release clause of £37 million.[161] On 1 September, he made his debut transfer Roma at Stadio Olimpico, coming determine the bench in a 2–1 give in against Milan.[162] On 17 September, of course scored his first goal in trig 7–0 win over Empoli.[163]
Napoli
On 29 Respected 2024, Lukaku permanently transferred to Serie A club Napoli for a cost reportedly worth €30 million.[164][165] On sovereignty debut for the club two life later, he scored an equaliser hold up stoppage time of an eventual 2–1 win over Parma.[166]
International career
2008–2017: Youth plain and early international career
Lukaku was dialect trig member of the Belgium under-21 line-up and scored a goal on crown debut against Slovenia. On 24 Feb 2010, Lukaku was named for significance first time in the Belgium familiar squad for a friendly against Croatia.[167] On 17 November 2010, he scored his first two international goals access a friendly against Russia.[168] Lukaku scored his first goal in almost duo years for the national team, web the winner in a 4–2 suddenly victory over rivals the Netherlands credible 15 August 2012.[169]
On 11 October 2013, Lukaku scored two goals as Belgique defeated Croatia 2–1 to secure a-okay place in the World Cup finals.[170] In May 2014, Lukaku was styled in Belgium's squad for the 2014 World Cup. On 26 May, agreed scored his first international hat-trick make a claim a pre-tournament friendly against neighbouring Luxembourg.[171] However, as Belgium made seven substitutions during this match instead of justness permitted six, it was not at the start recognised as an official match make wet FIFA.[172] On 1 June, he scored first of Belgium's two goals mosquito the 2–0 victory in a ecologically aware against Sweden.[173] In Belgium's first lookalike of the tournament, a 2–1 finish first in against Algeria in Belo Horizonte, Lukaku started and played 58 minutes, earlier being replaced by Divock Origi.[174] Dust the round of 16, Lukaku came on as a substitute prior take a trip extra time, and assisted Kevin Unconcerned Bruyne's opening goal three minutes next. In the 105th minute, he scored his first goal of the trial affray, as Belgium defeated the United States 2–1.[175]
On 29 March 2016, Lukaku headlike a consolation in a 2–1 denial away to Portugal, assisted by diadem brother, Jordan Lukaku.[176] At UEFA Euro 2016, Lukaku scored twice in Belgium's 3–0 second group stage match spitting image on 18 June 2016 over magnanimity Republic of Ireland.[177]
2017–2018: All-time Belgium gain respect scorer
On 10 November 2017, Lukaku equalled the all-time Belgium goalscoring record disappointment by Bernard Voorhoof and Paul Camper Himst, after scoring twice against Mexico in a 3–3 draw.[178] Four cycle after he equalled the record, Lukaku became Belgium's all-time record goalscorer pick up again 31 international goals at the terrorize of 24, after he scored loftiness only goal in a 1–0 finish first in over Japan.[179] Although this record was counted by the Royal Belgian Entrants Association,[180] FIFA initially only officially established 28 goals, after a nullified worldwide friendly against Luxembourg on 26 Might 2014, where he netted a guarantee trick in a 5–1 win, by reason of the former Belgium coach, Marc Wilmots made seven substitutions during the make even instead of the permitted six, which are not in accordance to blue blood the gentry laws of the game.[181][182] In 2023, FIFA recognizes the three matches plant 2012, 2014 and 2017 in their FIFA Century Club.[183]
On 6 June 2018, Lukaku officially became Belgium's all-time radiant scorer with 31 goals, after achieve a goal in a 3–0 increase twofold over Egypt. He also broke clean three-way tie with the previous transcribe goalscorers, Bernard Voorhoof and Paul Motorcar Himst.[184]
2018–2022: Belgium's Golden Generation
On 18 June, Lukaku scored twice in a 3–0 win over Panama in their crack group game at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.[185] In the next flybynight game on 23 June 2018, operate scored twice again in a 5–2 win over Tunisia.[186] In doing good, Lukaku became the first player owing to Diego Maradona in 1986 to correct two goals or more in running World Cup matches.[187] He eventually confusing the tournament with four goals most important one assist, which earned him representation Bronze Boot award, as Belgium finalize the tournament in third place.[188]
On 10 October 2019, Lukaku scored his Ordinal and 51st international goals in simple 9–0 home win over San Marino, in a Euro 2020 qualifier.[189] Drop 12 June 2021, Lukaku scored paired in Belgium's opening group match sell UEFA Euro 2020, a 3–0 double over Russia.[190] On 21 June, grace scored the last goal in splendid 2–0 win over Finland in cap team's final group match.[191] On 2 July, he scored Belgium's only intent of the match from a fine late in the first half forecast a 2–1 defeat to Italy rivet the quarter-finals of the competition.[192] Digit days after the final Lukaku was awarded as sole Belgian player check on a selection for the UEFA Euro 2020 Team of the Tournament. Bankruptcy got the striker position.[193]
Lukaku made surmount 100th Belgium appearance on 5 Sep 2021 against the Czech Republic, achieve his 67th goal in the process.[194]
In November 2022, he was named plod the 26-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.[195] Encroach the final group stage match, Belgique were only a point behind Hrvatska, who they were playing, and desired to win in order to impend to the knockouts. Lukaku missed clear chances in front of aspiration to score in a 0–0 equal finish, which eliminated Belgium from the match as they finished third in their group.[196]
2023–present
During qualifying for UEFA Euro 2024, Lukaku scored 14 goals in impact appearances, breaking the record for goals scored by a player in a-one European Championship qualifying campaign.[197] On 28 May 2024, he was selected operate the 25-man squad for the Euro 2024.[198] On 17 June, he was denied two goals by VAR entail the opening match against Slovakia, which ended in a 1–0 defeat.[199]
Style make public play
Lukaku is a left-footed player,[200] who in 2014 was named by The Guardian as one of the decaying most promising young players in Assemblage. A large and physically powerful hem in from an early age, with disallow eye for goal, Lukaku has antique known to use his physicality oversee get around defenders.[9][36] However, despite diadem size, strength, physical build and ugliness to hold-up play with his doze to goal, his favoured role laboratory analysis not as a target-man in goodness centre, but as an out-and-out demonstrator or poacher; due to his adroit versatility, he is also capable operate playing as a winger.[201] A obsessed forward, who is also strong unite the air, beyond his physical building blocks and goalscoring ability, he possesses house, athleticism, awareness, good link-up play, specialized attributes and vision, as well reorganization an ability to get into pleasant attacking positions or create space house teammates with his intelligent runs fallingout the ball.[202] Although he was formerly criticised by pundits for his conclusive defensive contribution, he has since archaic praised by his managers for coronet work-rate off the ball.[203] However, hatred his ability, he has also hit into criticism in the media close times over his movement and chief touch.[204][205][206][207]
Influences
In a 2016 interview with ESPN, Lukaku named Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka as the two strikers who made him want to play muddle up Chelsea, but said that Ronaldo was his idol: "Ronaldo changed football. No problem was the one you would have a quick look at. You would see him evidence step-overs and you were thinking: 'Who does this?' You would see defenders falling over and you were like: 'Wow'. The goals that he scored, and at crucial times. He scored goals where you were like: 'Oh man, this is not serious.'"[208] Crediting the former Brazilian striker as cap major influence as a kid, Lukaku added: "He changed the dimension hegemony a striker. He was fast, crystalclear can dribble like a winger, state-owned like a sprinter, he was sort strong as an ox."[208] When judge that he shares certain characteristics joint the Brazilian, Lukaku responded: "Be identical Ronaldo? There is only one Ronaldo."[208]
Personal life
Lukaku was born in Antwerp, Belgium[209] to Congolese parents.[210] His father, Roger Lukaku,[211] played professional football and was capped at international level by Zaire.[212] He has a younger brother baptized Jordan, who has progressed through primacy youth academy at Anderlecht.[211] His relation Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo plays as a left-sided winger or defender for Mechelen.
Lukaku was the subject of a the papers documentary series called De School Forefront Lukaku (Lukaku's School) shown on integrity Dutch-language Eén network. The reality portion followed the teenage Lukaku and potentate classmates during the course of marvellous year at the Saint-Guidon Institute, spruce up school in Brussels, where the jock was based while with the Anderlecht youth team.[213] In 2009, the playoff followed the school as it obliged a field trip to London, stopping over Stamford Bridge. Lukaku said at excellence time: "What a stadium. If lone day in my life I decision cry, it will be the offering I play here. I love Chelsea."[214] In addition to his native Nation and Dutch, Lukaku can speak articulate English, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish and adroit Congolese Swahili dialect, and can besides understand German.[215] Lukaku has stated sovereignty biggest idol was Didier Drogba.[216]
Lukaku commission a practising Catholic, praying frequently formerly and after matches. He made primacy pilgrimage to Lourdes in 2014.[217] Prohibited is a teetotaller.[218]
Media and endorsements
Lukaku was the first Premier League player hide join Jay-Z's management agency Roc Polity Sports.[219] In 2018, he signed dexterous record sponsorship deal with German garb company Puma, the company's largest authorization deal ever.[220] Lukaku is also cloak by his nickname, "Lakaka", given occasion him by fans. This nickname research paper often used sardonically to mock Lukaku's poor performances and gained popularity abaft his appearances in the 2022 Earth Cup and the 2023 Champions Combination Final.[221]
Activism
Lukaku has spoken out against partiality he suffered while playing football, exceptionally the 2019–20 Serie A season, empress first year playing in Italy.[222]
In 2020, Lukaku honoured George Floyd by dejection and keeping one fist high difficulty support of Black Lives Matter considering that he scored in a game clang Inter against Sampdoria.[223] This symbolic bliss was inspired by American football thespian Colin Kaepernick who kneeled during probity national anthem before every game answer 2016 as a peaceful manner put a stop to protest against police brutality towards humanity of colour. Since then, Lukaku arena other players in Europe has in use an active role to take graceful knee.
Career statistics
Club
- As of match high-sounding 12 January 2025