The global football community is mourning the loss of Roger Menama Lukaku, the former Zaire international striker and father of Belgian stars Romelu and Jordan Lukaku, who passed away at the age of 58 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, on Sunday.
Roger Lukaku’s death has left a deep void, not only within his family but across the footballing world. His eldest son, Romelu, who currently plays for Napoli, shared a raw and emotional tribute on social media. “Thank you for teaching me everything I know. Life will never be the same,” Romelu wrote. Fighting back grief, he added that while the pain and tears are overwhelming, his faith in God would give him the strength to carry on.
Born in Congo, Roger Lukaku carved out a respectable career during the 1990s, making his mark in Belgium with clubs such as FC Boom, Seraing, Germinal Ekeren, KV Mechelen, and KV Oostende. He also enjoyed a spell in Turkey with Gençlerbirliği before representing Zaire on the international stage. Between 1994 and 1996, he earned 11 caps and featured in two African Cup of Nations tournaments.
For Romelu and Jordan, their father was far more than a professional athlete. He was a mentor, protector, and the man who instilled the discipline and passion that shaped their journeys in football. Roger’s influence lives on through his sons, whose achievements continue the family’s footballing legacy on the global stage.
Tributes have poured in since the news broke, with fans and former teammates remembering Roger not just as a powerful forward but as a humble man whose story inspired many. His passing is a reminder of how deeply football connects generations, and how behind every great player stands a family legacy.
As the Lukaku family grieves this devastating loss, the wider football world stands with them, remembering Roger Menama Lukaku as both a proud father and a respected figure of the game.
