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With the World Cup in full swing, all eyes are on Romelu Lukaku. This member of the Belgian national team is a fascinating figure both on and off the pitch. Here’s what you should know about him.
1. Romelu Lukaku Was Born in Belgium
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Born Romelu Menama Lukaku in 1993, this Belgian striker was born in the historical city of Antwerp, Belgium. Though he is Belgian by birth, he is currently in the midst of a five-year contract with the English club Chelsea. His stint at Chelsea began in 2011.
2. Romelu Lukaku Was Injured Earlier This Year
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Earlier this year, Lukaku put some undue strain on his ankle. Bleacher Report notes that no serious damage was done, and Lukaku should be in good shape for the matches in the World Cup. It is important for Romelu to represent: Belgium is making their first World Cup appearance since 2002.
3. Romelu Lukaku Is on Instagram
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On Instagram, Lukaku routinely shares pics of himself, his teammates, workouts, and funny videos. One gym vid he uploaded can be seen below.
4. Romelu Lukaku Named One of The Most Promising Young Players
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In January of this year, Romelu was named one of the ten most promising “youngsters” in European football by the Guardian. The Guardian noted:
“In the two and a-half years since Chelsea forked out £17m to bring the then 18-year-old from Anderlecht to Stamford Bridge, the Belgium striker has developed into one of the most feared in the Premier League, even if José Mourinho remains curiously unconvinced. Lukaku has, however, proved vital to his loan clubs West Brom and Everton, using his power, cleverness and finishing skills to elevate them to higher levels while on loan – and insists he is content to bide his time and make an impact at Stamford Bridge next season.”
5. Romelu Lukaku and Team Belgium Favored by Some Sport Fans
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In an opinion piece about the USA vs. Belgium World Cup match for the Wall Street Journal, Belgian-American John W. Miller writes that there are many reasons for Belgium to win, and for people to root for the Belgian team. Romelu’s team is diverse, if a bit cocky.
The US vs. Belgium game on July 1 is the first time the two countries have had an World Cup encounter in 84 years.