🇧🇪 Romelu Lukaku’s story at this World Cup has become one of redemption.
After an injury-disrupted season and the heartbreaking loss of his father, many questioned whether he still belonged in Belgium’s squad. Some argued he was only being selected because of his reputation after the painful memories of Qatar 2022.
Lukaku has answered every doubt in the only way he knows how. With goals.
He came off the bench against Egypt and immediately forced the own goal that sparked Belgium’s comeback.
Against New Zealand, he produced a goal and an assist.
He scored against Senegal to help Belgium complete another turnaround in the Round of 32.
And now, against the United States, he came off the bench once again to seal Belgium’s place in the quarter-finals.
Three goals and one assist in his last three World Cup appearances. Every contribution arriving when Belgium needed him most.
No, Romelu Lukaku has never been the coldest finisher of simple chances like some of the truly elite No. 9s. That criticism has followed him throughout his career.
But international football tells a different story.
93 goals for Belgium. Eight more than Harry Kane for England. Belgium’s all-time leading scorer by a remarkable distance. Those numbers are no accident.
His movement, physical presence and ability to deliver in decisive moments have made him one of the greatest international strikers of his generation. Even when he isn’t starting, he changes games.
đź“Š Lukaku now has FOUR World Cup goals as a substitute, the second-most by any player in World Cup history.
Sometimes experience matters. Sometimes hierarchy matters. Sometimes having a striker who embraces his role, accepts coming off the bench and still delivers is exactly what wins knockout football.
Belgium have discovered a different version of Romelu Lukaku. Not the undisputed starter. But perhaps the tournament’s ultimate impact substitute. And judging by the way he’s changing matches, Belgium wouldn’t have it any other way. 🙌