Lukaku equals Pele with Belgium brace against Estonia

Roma striker Romelu Lukaku continues to show his international pedigree after scoring the 77th goal of his Belgium career in a 5-0 rout of Estonia in Euro 2024 qualifying. 

The Belgian striker on loan from Chelsea in the capital has faced staunch criticism in recent weeks after failed moves to Juventus and Inter while being unwanted by the Blues but showed his quality for the Red Devils with a superb brace against Estonia. 

Lukaku scored Belgium’s third and fourth goals against Estonia to aid his side to a convincing win as they continue their unbeaten run in Euros qualifying. 

The two goals for Lukaku were his 76th and 77th goals for Belgium since making his debut in 2010, extending his run at the top of the country’s all-time goalscorers’ chart. 

In addition to extending his Belgium record, Lukaku also drew level with Brazilian legend Pele on 77 international goals to once again show that he is no slouch in front of goal regardless of his club struggles. 

Pele was only recently surpassed by Al Hilal forward Neymar as Brazil’s all-time top scorer, as the former Barcelona man scored his 78th international goal in a 5-1 hammering of Bolivia. 

Despite their goalscoring exploits, however, fans of Pele can rest easy knowing that neither forward is likely to overtake the great Brazilian’s record of winning three FIFA World Cups before retiring.