SSC Napoli centre-back and Belgium’s all-time leading goal scorer, Romelu Lukaku, has admitted that due to his injury-plagued season at his club, many, including himself, were sceptical about his call-up to play the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing his presence at the tournament as a personal triumph.

The 33-year-old suffered muscular injuries and rehabilitation setbacks, limiting him to just 60 minutes of playing time for Napoli across the entire 2025/26 Serie A season.

However, he seems to be doing some magic at the national level, giving his country a good display and helping them secure a top spot at group level (Group G) in the Round of 32 where they are set to compete with Senegal.

Rather than reflecting on the frustrations that threatened to end his World Cup hopes, Lukaku says he is simply grateful to be contributing when many believed he would miss the tournament altogether.

“I’m just happy to be here because, if you look at my season and how it went, normally I should never have been at the World Cup. So for me, being here, playing, helping my team, making a difference, being decisive in a match, it’s great. So yeah, like they say in English, go with the flow,” he said.

Consequently, he has given a stellar performance since the World Cup. Although he barely starts a game, his presence is felt right when he is substituted into the game.

His relentless speed and pressure forced an own goal after his side struggled to create chances.

He then started Belgium’s goalless draw against Iran before returning to the bench for the decisive group

clash with New Zealand. Once again, Lukaku delivered almost immediately, scoring after coming on to help Belgium reclaim top spot in the group.

His tally of one goal and one assist in just 121 minutes underlines the impact he continues to have despite his limited role.

Lukaku revealed that watching games unfold from the sidelines has helped him identify weaknesses to exploit when introduced.

“I have plenty of time to analyse where the spaces are, and then I just try to be able to slip in or do a bit more.

“I think that when you look at it as a substitute, you really have to pay attention together with the other players sitting with you on the bench.”

One of the few remaining members of Belgium’s celebrated golden generation, Lukaku hopes his experience can help guide the Red Devils through the knockout stages after years of falling just short on the biggest stage.

Belgium’s next challenge comes against Senegal, and Lukaku expects one of their toughest tests yet.

He warned his teammates not to underestimate the African side, describing them as a balanced team capable of hurting opponents in every area of the pitch.

“Technically they are very good, tactically they are very strong, physically they can make the difference, so for us it will be a big challenge intensity-wise. I said in the dressing room it will be 50-50, so let’s see what the game brings.”