Romelu Lukaku Mourns the Sudden Death of Father Roger Menama Lukaku
- Tragedy strikes the Lukaku family as the sudden passing of Roger Menama Lukaku sends shockwaves through Belgian football
- Romelu Lukaku opened his heart on Instagram, sharing an emotional tribute to the father who guided him both on and off the pitch
- Fans, teammates, and the wider football community unite to honour a man whose life and career left a lasting mark on the beautiful game
Former Chelsea and Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku has shared the heartbreaking news of the sudden passing of his father, Roger Menama Lukaku, on September 29, 2025.
The Belgian international took to Instagram to express his grief and pay tribute to the man who shaped much of his life and career. Meanwhile, the football world has been quick to offer condolences to the Lukaku family, recognising the profound influence Roger had both on and off the pitch.
Source: Getty Images
Roger Lukaku’s football career
Roger Menama Lukaku, born in 1967, began his professional football career in Belgium in 1990 at the age of 23, according to Wikipedia records.
His journey started with Belgian Second Division club FC Boom, where he played a pivotal role in the team’s promotion to the Belgian First Division in 1992. Despite the club’s relegation in 1993, Lukaku’s talent did not go unnoticed, prompting a move to RFC Seraing.
During his time with RFC Seraing, Roger Lukaku helped the team achieve a remarkable 3rd-place finish in the Belgian First Division.
Source: Getty Images
After two seasons, he transferred to Germinal Ekeren, where history repeated itself with another 3rd-place league finish before briefly venturing outside Belgium to play for Turkish side Gençlerbirligi SK in 197 but returned after one season to join KV Mechelen, as noted by the Turkish Football Federation.
In 1998, Lukaku's father then signed for KV Oostende, competing in the Belgian First Division. Following the club’s relegation in 1999, he retired from top-flight football at the age of 32 but continued playing in lower divisions for Aat, KFC Wintam, and finally KGR Katelijne in 2006, where he concluded his playing career.
Romelu Lukaku’s heartfelt tribute to late father
Meanwhile, Napoli star Romelu Lukaku expressed his sorrow and gratitude on Instagram, sharing the deep impact his father had on his life. He wrote:
"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. The pain and tears are flowing big time. But God will give me the strength to get myself back together. Merci pour tout, Roger Menama Lukaku."
After the sad news broke on social media, fans and teammates alike have joined in mourning, sharing their condolences and celebrating the legacy of a man who left a lasting mark on Belgian football and on the life of one of the sport’s most prominent figures.
Branislav Ivanovic loses cousin
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported on another personal tragedy affecting former Chelsea star Branislav Ivanović following the death of his cousin Dejan Milovanovic.
The former Serbia international suddenly passed away after reportedly collapsing on the pitch during a veteran's football match on September 16 of this year.
Source: YEN.com.gh
