Romelu Lukaku is facing a deeply personal battle off the pitch as he and his brother Jordan reveal they have been unable to lay their father to rest in Belgium.
The Napoli striker shared that the process of bringing their father’s body home has been blocked, leaving the brothers heartbroken and feeling “extorted” by unknown parties.
Father’s Death and Funeral Plans Disrupted
Roger Lukaku, a former footballer who represented Zaire (now DR Congo) and later played across Belgian clubs, passed away last month at the age of 58.
Romelu posted a heartfelt statement on Instagram explaining that plans for a funeral in Belgium this Friday have been derailed by decisions made in Kinshasa, the capital of DR Congo.
“Our dad passed away on the 28th of September and we as brothers tried everything to bring his corpse back to Europe, but we felt that we were being extorted by some people,” Romelu wrote.
“If our father was here today, he wouldn’t accept it. It breaks our soul for us to not put our father to rest.”
Emotional Tribute to Their Father
Lukaku did not reveal the identities of those allegedly blocking the funeral, but he expressed immense grief and gratitude in his messages.
He paid tribute to his father’s guidance and protection throughout his life, sharing childhood photos and memories on social media.
“Thank you for teaching me everything I know. I’m forever grateful and appreciate you.
Life will never be the same. Protecting and guiding me like no one else could. I won’t be the same,” Romelu wrote.
Football Legacy of Roger Lukaku
Roger Lukaku had a storied football career that began in DR Congo with Vita Club and continued in Ivory Coast with Africa Sports D’Abidjan.
In 1990, he moved to Belgium, joining second-tier club Boom, and went on to play for Seraing, Germinal Ekeren, Mechelen, and Oostende.
He also had a brief stint in Turkey with Gençlerbirliği.
His contribution to football in Belgium was remembered warmly, with RSC Anderlecht honoring him during a match against Standard de Liège earlier this month.
Brothers United in Grief
Romelu and Jordan, who plays for Lazio, are now left to cope with the anguish of not being able to perform final rites in Belgium.
Despite the pain, Romelu expressed faith that he would find the strength to recover from this emotional ordeal.
“The pain and tears are flowing big time. But God will give me the strength to get myself back together,” he said.
Fans and the football community have rallied around the Lukaku family, sending messages of support as they navigate this difficult and emotional time.