Romelu Lukaku has once again etched his name into the history books, scoring his 90th international goal for Belgium to break into the top five all-time men's international scorers. The 31-year-old striker found the net in the 90th minute against Croatia on Tuesday, sealing a 2-0 victory and leapfrogging Robert Lewandowski in the process. The goal, which came just 17 minutes after his introduction from the bench, underscored Lukaku's enduring importance to the Red Devils despite a season ravaged by injuries at club level.
The 2023-24 campaign was largely a write-off for Lukaku after his summer move to Napoli was disrupted by multiple physical setbacks. Limited to sporadic appearances, he struggled to find rhythm and match fitness, raising questions about whether he could still be the focal point of Belgium's attack. Yet, as he has so often done for his country, Lukaku answered those doubts emphatically on the pitch, showing the clinical edge that has made him the nation's all-time leading scorer.
Facing a Croatia side that had eliminated them from the 2022 World Cup group stage, Belgium knew the stakes were high. Coach Domenico Tedesco opted to start with Lois Openda leading the line, but with the game finely balanced at 1-0, he turned to Lukaku in the 73rd minute. The substitution proved decisive. Lukaku's physical presence and clever movement immediately troubled the Croatian defense, and when a late counter-attack left him one-on-one with the goalkeeper, there was little doubt about the outcome. His low finish into the corner was a trademark strike—powerful, precise, and ruthless.
The goal was Lukaku's 90th in 125 senior caps for Belgium, a remarkable ratio of 0.72 goals per game that places him among the most prolific strikers in international history. More importantly, it moved him ahead of Poland's Robert Lewandowski in the all-time rankings. Now Lukaku sits fifth on the all-time list, with only four men ahead of him: Cristiano Ronaldo (143), Lionel Messi (116), Ali Daei (108), and India's Sunil Chhetri (95). Chhetri's total is well within reach—Lukaku needs just five more goals to match the Indian icon, a target he could realistically achieve within the next year given Belgium's qualifying schedule. At 31, Lukaku still has time to chase down Daei and even Messi if he maintains his fitness, though Ronaldo's record appears insurmountable.
Among current European players, only England's Harry Kane appears capable of mounting a similar challenge. The Bayern Munich striker has 78 goals in 100 appearances and, at 30, could surpass Lukaku's tally if he extends his international career into his mid-thirties. Bosnia's Edin Dzeko, now 40, is the only other active European in the top 15 with 73 goals, but his time at the elite level is winding down.
For Belgium, Lukaku's return to form is a welcome boost as they begin a new cycle under Tedesco. The Red Devils have often been criticized for underachieving in major tournaments, and the 2024 European Championships were a disappointment, exiting in the round of 16. With Kevin De Bruyne entering his twilight years and the golden generation slowly phasing out, Lukaku's leadership in attack will be critical if they are to mount a serious challenge at the 2026 World Cup.
Lukaku's international career has been defined by his ability to deliver in big moments. From his first goal in 2010 to his record-breaking 37th surpassed Paul van Himst's long-standing mark in 2018, he has consistently been Belgium's talisman. His physicality, hold-up play, and predatory finishing make him a nightmare for defenders, and his understanding with De Bruyne and the now-retired Eden Hazard has been the bedrock of Belgium's success over the past decade.
The road to 90 goals hasn't been without its challenges. Lukaku has faced criticism for his weight fluctuations and perceived inconsistency at the club level, with stints at Chelsea and Manchester United ending in frustration. Yet for the national team, he has always found a way to silence the doubters. His 14 goals in the 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign set a European record, and he was instrumental in Belgium's third-place finish at the 2018 tournament.
As he stood with arms aloft after the Croatia match, Lukaku's expression was one of satisfaction rather than celebration—a sign of a player who understands that greater challenges lie ahead. The milestone serves as a reminder of his unique place in the sport: a striker who, despite his club struggles, has etched his name alongside the legends of the international game.
The next milestone in sight is Chhetri's 95, but Lukaku has his sights set higher. "I want to keep scoring, keep helping the team," he said after the game. "Individual records are nice, but they mean more when they come with team success." Belgium fans will hope that his 90th goal is just another step on the path to silverware.
For now, the focus shifts back to Napoli, where Lukaku will look to reignite his club career after a stop-start beginning. If his international form is any indication, the Italian side may soon reap the benefits of a fully fit and confident Romelu Lukaku.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.
