Romelu Lukaku has now surpassed Pele’s goal-scoring record cementing his name in Belgium’s history
Romelu Lukaku is back to his best after reunited with Jose Mourinho at AS Roma.
(L-R) Pele, Romelu Lukaku. (Source: via REX and EPA)
Romelu Lukaku has surpassed Brazilian Legend, Pele’s goal-scoring record on the International Stage. With his latest goal coming against Austria in the UEFA Euro Qualifier, the Belgian has now scored 78 career goals for his country of Belgium, one more than Pele.
In his 111th appearance for Belgium, the 30-year-old striker finished off a quick counter-attack, led by Jeremy Doku, slotting the ball into the back of the net. Alongside helping Belgium qualify for Euro 2024, the AS Roma forward officially surpassed Pele’s official count of 77 goals. The Belgium forward took almost 20 more games to break the record however, it remains a huge milestone for the player who made his debut for the National Team back in 2010 under then-manager, Dick Advocaat.
Currently, Belgium’s top goal scorer of all time, the upcoming Euro next year and World Cup in 2026 might be the last time we see the Belgian play for the National team. Part of the ‘Golden Generation’ alongside the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard, the player has shown incredible goal-scoring prowess throughout his career at both club and international level. However, the lack of an International trophy may haunt the player when considering the level of talent available at Belgium’s disposal.
Belgium will play their final UEFA Euro qualifying game on the 19th of November when they take on Azerbaijan.
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Romelu Lukaku has been a goalscorer his whole life
A 20-year-old Romelu Lukaku joined Everton from Chelsea in 2013. Fast-forward to when Lukaku reached the age of 23 in 2017, the player was now Everton’s top Premier League scorer of all time. By the time he reached the age of 24, Lukaku scored in a 1-0 friendly game against Japan making him Belgium’s Top scorer of all time.
“He can do everything you want from a striker. He can play with his back to goal or run in behind,” said Roberto Martinez who managed the player at Everton, further adding, “He has every single function you would want from a centre-forward.”
A top striker, in the words of his ex-manager, the player, however, craves something other than goals. Trophies. “That’s the only thing that matters to me – winning. Scoring goals is beautiful. I know I am in a position where I can score a lot of goals. But winning trophies, that sets you apart,” expressed the Belgian in an interview via The Guardian.
Now at AS Roma with Jose Mourinho, the Belgian is enjoying his start to the new season scoring 7 goals in 8 games.
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Syed Talib Haider
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