Early Life and Education of Romelu Lukaku: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 23, 2025

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Romelu Lukaku. From birth to education, explore key events.

Romelu Lukaku is a Belgian professional footballer renowned for his prolific goal-scoring ability. He currently plays as a striker for Serie A club Napoli and is a key player for the Belgium national team. Known for his strength, pace, and clinical finishing, Lukaku has played for major clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, Inter Milan, and Everton. He is Belgium's all-time top goalscorer and has consistently performed at a high level throughout his career, establishing himself as one of the top strikers in modern football.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

May 1993: Romelu Lukaku Born

In May 1993, Romelu Lukaku was born. He is a Belgian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Napoli and the Belgium national team.

Others born on this day/year

2009: Featured in 'De School Van Lukaku'

In 2009, Romelu Lukaku was the subject of a television documentary series called De School Van Lukaku (Lukaku's School). The series followed Lukaku and his classmates during the course of a year. The show followed the school as it made a field trip to London, visiting Stamford Bridge, where Lukaku expressed his desire to play for Chelsea.

2014: Lukaku Makes Pilgrimage to Lourdes

In 2014, Romelu Lukaku, who is a practicing Catholic, made the pilgrimage to Lourdes.

August 2015: Scores Double Against Southampton

On August 15, 2015, Lukaku scored a first-half double in Everton's 3–0 win at Southampton. Before the match, he presented a t-shirt to a home fan whom he had accidentally struck with the ball during shooting practice.

2016: Colin Kaepernick protests police brutality

In 2016, Colin Kaepernick kneeled during the national anthem before every game as a peaceful manner of protest against police brutality towards people of colour, inspiring Lukaku's actions in 2020.

2016: Lukaku Names Ronaldo as His Idol

In a 2016 interview with ESPN, Lukaku named Ronaldo as his idol, citing Ronaldo's influence on the game, mentioning that Ronaldo changed the dimension of a striker. He also named Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka as the two strikers who made him want to play for Chelsea.

2018: Lukaku Signs Record Sponsorship Deal with Puma

In 2018, Romelu Lukaku signed a record sponsorship deal with German sportswear company Puma, which was the company's largest endorsement deal ever.

2019: Lukaku Speaks Out Against Racism

In 2019, Romelu Lukaku spoke out against racism he suffered while playing football, particularly during the 2019–20 Serie A season, his first year playing in Italy.

2020: Lukaku Kneels in Support of Black Lives Matter

In 2020, Romelu Lukaku honored George Floyd by kneeling and raising a fist in support of Black Lives Matter when he scored in a game with Inter against Sampdoria. This action was inspired by Colin Kaepernick's protests in 2016.