ATLANTA – Dodi Lukebakio delivered a performance brimming with emotion, scoring two goals in Belgium’s 5-2 victory over the United States at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Tuesday. The Benfica winger, who came on as a substitute in the 62nd minute, visibly shed tears after netting his first goal, a moment that underscored a period of personal and professional challenges.
Lukebakio’s display was particularly poignant given his recent struggles for consistent playing time, both at club level with Benfica and previously under former Belgium national team coach, Rudi Garcia. The 26-year-old, born September 24, 1997, in Asse, Belgium, has navigated a career path that includes loan spells at Toulouse, Charleroi, Fortuna Düsseldorf, and Wolfsburg, before securing moves to Hertha BSC, Sevilla, and now Benfica. His journey reflects a resilience that was on full display against the Americans.
“I am particularly touched and grateful,” Lukebakio said, according to reports from Walfoot. “I even shed a few tears when I scored my first goal. It means a lot to me. These last few months have not been effortless.”
The match itself saw a dominant performance from Belgium, despite a flurry of substitutions – a total of twenty changes were made throughout the game. While the scoreline might not fully reflect the ebb and flow of the friendly, Lukebakio’s impact was undeniable. He seized his opportunity, capitalizing on the minutes afforded to him by head coach Domenico Tedesco.
Lukebakio’s frustration stemmed from a lack of opportunities despite strong performances for Sevilla. Nordin Jbari, a consultant for RTBF, highlighted this point, stating that he consistently questioned why Garcia didn’t give Lukebakio a chance. “Even when he was stringing together very good performances with Sevilla, he wasn’t playing in the national team,” Jbari noted. The arrival of Tedesco appears to have shifted that dynamic.
The combination of Lukebakio’s speed on the right flank and Jérémy Doku’s technique on the left presents a potentially potent attacking threat for Belgium. The duo’s ability to stretch defenses and create scoring opportunities was evident in Atlanta. Lukebakio’s two goals demonstrated his finishing ability and his willingness to make an impact when called upon.
Lukebakio acknowledged the difficulty of regaining his form after a foot injury sustained while playing for Benfica. “I had to fight to get playing time in recent weeks,” he explained. “It wasn’t easy to get back to my best. I wanted to prove myself to be called up to the national team. That’s why I aim for to thank the coach for calling me up.”
The forward also addressed a previous missed opportunity during a match against Wales, a moment that clearly weighed on him. He revealed that he had a constructive conversation with the coach following that game, receiving reassurance and continued support. “He told me, ‘I still believe in you,’” Lukebakio shared. “I came out of that stronger.”
Lukebakio’s performance wasn’t just about goals; it was about demonstrating his value to the team and reaffirming his commitment to the national side. His ability to transform frustration into a positive on-field contribution is a testament to his character and determination.
Belgium’s victory over the United States serves as a positive step in their preparations for upcoming international competitions. Lukebakio’s resurgence provides coach Tedesco with another attacking option, adding depth and versatility to the squad. The team will now appear ahead to their next challenge, building on this momentum as they continue their journey.
The match also saw Romelu Lukaku, Belgium’s all-time leading goalscorer, feature in the game. While Lukebakio stole the headlines with his brace, Lukaku’s presence continues to be a cornerstone of the Belgian attack.
Lukebakio currently plays for Benfica, having joined the Portuguese club in 2025. Prior to that, he spent several seasons with Sevilla, where he established himself as a consistent performer. His career began at Anderlecht, where he made his professional debut in 2015.
Belgium’s next fixture is yet to be announced, but fans will be eager to observe how Lukebakio continues to develop and contribute to the national team’s success. The winger’s emotional display in Atlanta served as a powerful reminder of the passion and dedication that drives players at the highest level of the game.
Lukebakio has also represented Belgium at the under-21 level, earning 17 caps and scoring four goals. He made his senior debut for the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2016 before switching his allegiance to Belgium.
The victory over the United States, while a friendly, provided valuable minutes for several players and allowed coach Tedesco to assess different combinations ahead of more competitive fixtures. Lukebakio’s performance undoubtedly solidified his position in the squad and demonstrated his potential to turn into a key player for Belgium.
