Jordan Lukaku facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Jordan Lukaku

Lukaku at Oostende in 2016
Personal information
Full name	Jordan Zacharie Lukaku Menama Mokelenge
Date of birth	(1994-07-25) 25 July 1994 (age 31)
Place of birth	Antwerp, Belgium
Height	1.77 m (5 ft 10 in)
Position(s)	Left-back
Youth career
2000–2003	KFC Wintam
2003–2004	Boom FC
2004–2006	Lierse
2006–2011	Anderlecht
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2011–2013	Anderlecht	8	(0)
2013–2016	Oostende	79	(3)
2016–2022	Lazio	66	(1)
2020–2021	→ Antwerp (loan)	22	(0)
2022	→ Vicenza (loan)	7	(0)
2022–2023	Ponferradina	7	(0)
2023–2024	Adanaspor	14	(0)
International career
2009	Belgium U15	2	(0)
2010	Belgium U16	6	(0)
2011	Belgium U18	3	(0)
2011–2012	Belgium U19	7	(0)
2013–2015	Belgium U21	12	(0)
2015–2017	Belgium	8	(0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 19 October 2024

Jordan Zacharie Lukaku Menama Mokelenge (born on July 25, 1994) is a Belgian professional footballer. He plays as a left-back, which is a defensive position on the left side of the field. He most recently played for the Turkish team Adanaspor.

Jordan started his professional career at Anderlecht in Belgium. He then moved to Oostende in 2013, where he became a key player. In 2016, he joined Lazio in Italy. He also played on loan for Antwerp and Vicenza. Later, he played for Ponferradina in Spain.

Lukaku also played for the Belgian national team. He made his first appearance for the senior team in 2015. He was part of the Belgian squad for the UEFA Euro 2016 tournament.

Jordan Lukaku's Club Journey

Starting at Anderlecht

Jordan Lukaku began his journey in football at Anderlecht. He signed his first professional contract with the club, which lasted until 2013. Even though a big English club, Arsenal, was interested in him, he chose to stay.

He first joined the senior team for training in the 2010–11 season. His older brother, Romelu, was also at Anderlecht at that time. Jordan's first official game was on March 21, 2012, against Zulte Waregem. Anderlecht won that game 2–1. Jordan later said it was "the best day of his life."

Anderlecht won the league title that season. Jordan played in six matches. However, he did not play in any games the next season. He faced some injuries and struggled to get playing time. He even thought about going on loan to a Dutch club, but he decided to stay with Anderlecht's reserve team instead.

In July 2013, Jordan played a small part in the 2013 Belgian Super Cup. Anderlecht won the cup 1–0. After playing two more matches, he decided he wanted to leave the club. He wanted to play more regularly.

Moving to Oostende

After leaving Anderlecht, Jordan Lukaku joined Oostende on loan. This move happened in August 2013. His first game for Oostende was on August 31, 2013. He came on as a substitute in a match they lost 1–0.

In November 2013, he helped his team win 4–0 against Genk by setting up a goal. His loan period ended early because he got an injury.

When his contract with Anderlecht finished, Lukaku signed a permanent four-year deal with Oostende. He continued to be a regular player for the team. In his first full season, he played 30 games.

During the 2015–16 season, Jordan started strong. He set up a goal in the first game of the season. Then, he scored his first goal for Oostende in a 2–1 win against Westerlo. He was even named in the "Team of the Week." He scored two more goals that season. He finished the season with 34 appearances and three goals.

Time with Lazio in Italy

Lukaku with Lazio in 2018

In July 2016, Jordan Lukaku moved to Italy to play for Lazio. He signed a contract for €4 million. He was given the number six shirt.

He made his debut for Lazio in the first game of the season. Lazio won 4–3 against Atalanta. He continued to play regularly until he got injured during an international break. He returned to play in November 2016.

In the 2017 Supercoppa Italiana, Jordan came on as a substitute. Lazio won the cup 3–2 against Juventus. In December 2017, he scored his first goal for Lazio. It was in a 4–0 home win against Crotone.

During the 2018–19 season, Jordan faced more injury problems. He only started three games. He was almost loaned to the English club Newcastle United in January 2019. However, the deal did not happen.

Later, in October 2020, Jordan returned to Belgium on loan to Royal Antwerp F.C.. In January 2022, he was loaned again to Serie B club Vicenza in Italy.

Playing for Ponferradina and Adanaspor

In August 2022, Jordan Lukaku signed with Ponferradina, a Spanish team. He played seven games for them before leaving the club in February 2023.

In August 2023, Jordan joined Adanaspor, a Turkish club. He signed a two-year contract. He played 14 matches for Adanaspor. His contract with the club ended in October 2024.

Jordan Lukaku's International Career

Jordan Lukaku played for Belgium at different youth levels. He played for the under-15, under-16, under-18, and under-19 teams. In 2011, he chose to play for Belgium instead of the DR Congo.

Because of his good performances at Oostende, Jordan was called up to the senior Belgian national team. He made his first appearance for Belgium on October 10, 2015. It was in a Euro 2016 qualification match against Andorra. Belgium won 4–1, which meant they qualified for the Euro 2016 tournament.

In his next game, a friendly match against Portugal, he came on as a substitute. He sent in a cross that his brother, Romelu Lukaku, headed into the goal.

Jordan was chosen for the Euro 2016 squad. He wore the number 21 shirt. He played in one game during the tournament. This was in Belgium's 3–1 quarterfinal loss to Wales. He played for 75 minutes in that match.

In May 2018, he was part of Belgium's first squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. However, he was not included in the final team of 23 players.

Jordan Lukaku's Playing Style

Jordan Lukaku is known as a fast, hard-working, and strong player. He is left-footed and plays mainly as a left-back. This means he defends on the left side of the field. He can also play higher up the field as a wing-back or even as a wide midfielder.

He is especially good at his speed and technique. He can also deliver good crosses into the box. His physical strength and stamina help him cover the entire left side of the field. He can run forward, take on opponents, keep the ball, and create chances for his teammates.

Sometimes, experts have pointed out that he could improve his tactical understanding and defensive skills. He has also had some injuries that have limited how much he could play.

Jordan Lukaku's Family Life

Jordan Lukaku was born in Antwerp, Belgium. His father, Roger Lukaku, was also a professional footballer. His father played for the national team of Zaire (now DR Congo).

Jordan has an older brother named Romelu Lukaku. Romelu is also a famous professional footballer. Both Jordan and Romelu trained at the Anderlecht youth academy when they were younger. Their cousin, Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo, also plays football.

When Jordan was young, he supported the English football club Arsenal.

Honours

Anderlecht

• Belgian Super Cup: 2013

Lazio

• Coppa Italia: 2018–19
• Supercoppa Italiana: 2017

See also

In Spanish: Jordan Lukaku para niños