Romelu Lukaku has matched Pele’s international goal-scoring record by bagging a brace for Belgium.
The Chelsea striker, currently on loan at AS Roma, delivered two goals in the second half, contributing to a convincing 5-0 victory over Estonia.
Lukaku’s first goal showcased his strength as he shrugged off a defender and calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Karl Hein.
His second goal was even more spectacular, as he skillfully turned his marker at the edge of the box before expertly placing the ball into the bottom corner of the net.
This second goal marked a significant milestone for Lukaku, as it was his 77th international goal, an achievement that puts him among the elite group of international goal-scorers.
This exclusive list includes footballing legends like Neymar, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Ferenc Puskas.
Cristiano Ronaldo currently leads the pack with an astonishing 123 goals in 201 appearances for Portugal.
Romelu Lukaku, on the other hand, holds the title of Belgium’s top international goal-scorer, boasting 44 more goals than the second-placed Eden Hazard, who has 33 goals to his name.
For decades, Pele had held the esteemed title of Brazil’s all-time leading goal-scorer until recently when Neymar, the former Barcelona and PSG star, overtook him by scoring his 78th and 79th international goals during Brazil’s match against Bolivia.
Lukaku’s journey led him away from Chelsea this summer, as he embarked on another loan move, reuniting with manager Jose Mourinho at AS Roma in Serie A.
Although he has only made one appearance for the Italian side, he has already displayed his prolific scoring ability.
In the Euro 2024 qualifier, the scoring began with a strike from former Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen, followed by a stunning goal from Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard.
Lukaku then contributed his two goals, and the scoring was wrapped up by Charles De Ketelarere in the 88th minute.
It’s worth noting that the footballing world lost a legend when Pele passed away in December 2022 after battling a colon tumor and ultimately ceasing treatment.
