The Belgian icon reportedly wants to come home after 2026 World Cup, with his son’s youth career at the club driving the decision
Belgian football fans are buzzing with speculation after multiple reports suggested that Romelu Lukaku is planning to return to RSC Anderlecht – the club where he launched his glittering career – to bring down the curtain on his playing days. The 33-year-old striker, currently with Napoli, is said to have told close associates he wants to come back to Lotto Park following the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
FROM YOUTH STAR TO GLOBAL NAME
Lukaku’s journey began in Anderlecht’s youth academy, where he emerged as one of Europe’s most promising young forwards. Making his senior debut in 2009 at just 16 years old, he went on to score 41 goals in 98 appearances for the Brussels club before securing a move to Chelsea in 2011. Since then, he has established himself as one of the world’s most prolific strikers, with spells at Everton, Manchester United, Inter Milan, Roma and now Napoli – not to mention becoming Belgium’s all-time leading goalscorer with over 70 goals for the national team.
Despite his global success, Lukaku has never lost touch with his roots. He regularly visits Anderlecht’s training complex, attends matches at Lotto Park, and in October 2024 received a rousing standing ovation from fans during the derby against Standard Liège.
FAMILY AT THE HEART OF THE DECISION
According to Belgian outlets Het Nieuwsblad and La Dernière Heure, as well as Italian publication SportNews, the primary motivation behind Lukaku’s desire to return is his family. His son Romeo currently plays in Anderlecht’s youth academy and has spoken of his dream to see his father score at the stadium he calls home.
“Lukaku has made it clear to those closest to him that he wants to finish his career where it all started,” a source close to the player told La Dernière Heure. “He wants to be a protagonist for Anderlecht, not just a substitute coming off the bench – he still has plenty to give and wants to do it in front of the fans who supported him from the beginning.”
CONTRACT AND FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Lukaku is under contract with Napoli until 2027, where he earns a net salary of €6 million per season. However, reports indicate that the Italian club is unlikely to stand in his way if he wishes to make the move. The striker is also said to be willing to take a significant pay cut to wear Anderlecht’s purple and white once again, prioritising his personal goals over financial gain.
Anderlecht has not yet received any official communication regarding the rumoured transfer, though club insiders acknowledge that Lukaku’s ongoing presence around the team has fuelled speculation.
WAITING FOR CONFIRMATION
As with all transfer rumours, nothing is set in stone. Neither Anderlecht nor Lukaku have made any official statement on the matter, and the situation remains subject to change in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup. For now, fans will have to wait for concrete news – but the prospect of seeing one of the club’s greatest ever graduates return to lead the line is already generating huge excitement in Brussels.
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