A Football Legacy Remembered

Roger Menama Lukaku, a former professional footballer and the father of international stars Romelu and Jordan Lukaku, was buried in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, on Friday, 24 October 2025 (EAT). The ceremony marked the final chapter for a figure who significantly influenced a new generation of Belgian football talent. Roger Lukaku passed away on 28 September 2025, at the age of 58. His death prompted an outpouring of condolences from across the international football community.

Born in Kinshasa on 6 June 1967, Roger Lukaku forged a notable career as a forward. He began his journey with local club Vita Club before moving to Africa Sports d'Abidjan. In 1990, at age 23, he relocated to Belgium, where he played for several clubs, including FC Boom, RFC Seraing, Germinal Ekeren, KV Mechelen, and KV Oostende. He also had a brief stint in Turkey with Gençlerbirliği. A powerful presence on the pitch, he was a key figure for the Zaire national team, now the DR Congo, representing the Leopards in the 1994 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and at the 1994 and 1996 African Cup of Nations finals.

Controversy and Distress Over Funeral

The burial in his native country was not the family's original intention and was preceded by a period of significant turmoil, according to his eldest son, Romelu. In a series of emotional social media posts in mid-October 2025, the Napoli striker alleged that he and his brother, Jordan, had been victims of an "extortion" plot by certain individuals in the DRC. The brothers had reportedly tried everything to have their father's body repatriated to Belgium, where Roger had spent his professional career and where his sons were raised, for the funeral.

"Our dad passed away on the 28 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… It breaks our soul for us to not put our father to rest," Romelu Lukaku stated publicly on 15 October 2025. He explained that due to "certain decisions being made in Kinshasa," the family was forced to alter the plans, leading to the funeral taking place in the Congolese capital against their wishes. This family conflict reportedly prevented the sons from attending the burial.

A Father's Influence

Roger Lukaku's influence was pivotal in the careers of his two sons, who both became Belgian internationals. Romelu, one of the world's most prominent strikers, has played for top European clubs including Chelsea, Manchester United, Inter Milan, and currently Napoli. Jordan, a left-back, has had a career that includes Anderlecht in Belgium, Lazio in Italy, and Adanaspor in Turkey. Romelu has often credited his father as his greatest inspiration, noting the guidance he provided throughout his journey to football stardom.

Following the burial, Romelu shared a heartfelt tribute online, expressing the difficulty of the situation. "Our hero has been laid to rest today. It's hard. It's tough. But I know he is proud of his boys," he wrote on Friday, 24 October 2025. The message accompanied a photo of the casket, concluding a painful public saga for one of football's most recognizable families and highlighting the complex personal challenges that can unfold behind the global spotlight of professional sport.