Romelu Lukaku snubs José Mourinho, Names Four coaches Who ‘Changed His Life’

Rome, Italy – August 9, 2025 – In a surprising revelation, Romelu Lukaku has omitted José Mourinho from a list of coaches who profoundly impacted his career, despite mourinho’s recent and vocal advocacy for the Belgian striker at Roma. The 32-year-old Lukaku identified Antonio Conte, Roberto Martinez, Ronald Koeman, and Ariel Jacobs as the key figures who shaped his development as a player.

Lukaku, currently preparing for the 2025-2026 season with a reunion with Antonio Conte at an undisclosed club (speculation points towards a return to Inter milan), highlighted Conte’s tactical approach as particularly suited to his playing style. “He has an idea of football that corresponds to my characteristics,” Lukaku stated in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, emphasizing the daily motivation provided by the Italian coach. This contrasts sharply with his assessment of Mourinho, who personally pushed for Lukaku’s transfer to Roma in August 2024, believing the team needed a “champion.”

mourinho publicly stated Lukaku needed to “feel loved” to perform at his best, a sentiment that evidently wasn’t enough to secure a place among Lukaku’s most influential mentors. The striker acknowledged a previous respectful stance towards Mourinho, telling corriere dello Sport, “I will never say any harm to José… He’s a winner. Something happened between him and I don’t know who, and I didn’t want to get involved.”

Roberto Martinez, who managed Lukaku during his tenure as Belgium’s national team coach from 2016 to 2022, is credited with fostering Lukaku’s international success, leading Belgium to a third-place finish at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.Ronald Koeman, who managed Lukaku at Everton from 2016-2017, played a role in the early stages of Lukaku’s Premier league development, helping him reach 25 goals in the 2016-17 season. Ariel Jacobs, Lukaku’s coach at Anderlecht from 2009-2011, provided the initial platform for the striker’s professional career, guiding him to 15 goals in 35 appearances.

Lukaku’s decision to exclude Mourinho, despite the Portuguese manager’s recent efforts to bring him to roma and publicly support him, underscores the complex dynamics between players and coaches. The striker’s upcoming season with Conte offers a chance to replicate the success they enjoyed together at Inter Milan,where they won the Serie A title in 2021,with Lukaku scoring 24 goals in 36 league appearances. The move to Conte’s new project is reportedly worth €12 million annually to Lukaku, plus performance-based bonuses.

Key Takeaways:

• Romelu Lukaku has named Antonio Conte, Roberto Martinez, Ronald Koeman, and Ariel Jacobs as the four coaches who most influenced his career.
• José Mourinho, despite recently bringing Lukaku to roma, was not included on the list.
• Lukaku is set to reunite with Antonio Conte for the 2025-2026 season.
• Lukaku’s contract with Conte’s new club is valued at €12 million per year.