Belgian · Antwerp, Belgium · Born 13 May 1993Belgian striker who became Belgium's all-time leading scorer and one of Europe's most prolific goalscorers with over 300 career goals for club and country.
Romelu Menama Lukaku Bolingoli was born in Antwerp, Belgium in 1993. He grew up in poverty — his family's electricity was cut off during his childhood, a story he has told repeatedly in public. Chelsea signed him at 18 but he was loaned immediately. Everton gave him his first consistent run of games. Manchester United paid £75 million for him in 2017. Inter Milan paid £74 million in 2019 and he won the Serie A title in 2020-21 under Antonio Conte — ending Inter's eleven-year league drought. Chelsea paid £97.5 million to re-sign him in 2021 — a season of profound underperformance prompted a loan back to Inter. His goals-per-game ratio at Inter (64 goals in 95 games) was among the finest in Europe for a centre-forward. He won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021 despite limited appearances. He became Belgium's all-time leading scorer with 78 goals. His combination of physical power — his ability to outmuscle defenders and hold the ball — with pace and finishing made him one of the most feared frontmen of his era despite the inconsistency of his career arc.
Belgium's all-time leading international goalscorer
How They Played
Physical striker with pace, power, and clinical finishing in the box
Lasting Impact
One of the most prolific strikers of his generation and Belgium's greatest goalscorer
Career Honours
- Champions League (2021)
- Premier League (2021)
- Serie A (2021)
- Europa League 2x
- Champions League 2021
- Premier League 2017
- Serie A 2021
- Europa League 2013
- Europa League 2019
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anderlecht | 2009–2011 | — | 73 | 9 | #10 |
| Chelsea | 2011–2014 | — | 15 | 2 | — |
| Manchester United | 2017–2019 | — | 96 | 42 | — |
| Inter Milan | 2019–2021 | — | 95 | 64 | — |
| Everton | 2013–2017 | £28m | 166 | 87 | — |
| AS Roma | 2021–2022 | loan | 47 | 23 | — |
| Napoli | 2023–2024 | loan | 47 | 30 | — |
| West Bromwich Albion | 2012–2013 | — | 35 | 17 | — |
 Belgium | — | — | 116 | 85 | — |
Belgian Athletes