Lukaku reveals mental struggles led him to cede decisive penalty to Tielemans against Senegal

Romelu Lukaku has disclosed that he relinquished the responsibility of taking a critical penalty kick against Senegal to Youri Tielemans because he was not in the right mental state. The dramatic moment occurred late in extra time during the World Cup match.

Lukaku, who had initially claimed the ball, stepped back, explaining his decision stemmed from ongoing mental difficulties. He felt Tielemans was better positioned to handle the pressure of the decisive moment. "I was going to take the penalty, but I am still going through difficult times mentally, and I preferred Youri to take it," Lukaku stated after the game.

“

I was going to take the penalty, but I am still going through difficult times mentally, and I preferred Youri to take it.

Tielemans ultimately converted the penalty, scoring Belgium's third goal and sealing a dramatic 3-2 win over Senegal. This victory ensured Belgium's progression to the knockout stages of the tournament. Lukaku emphasized the team's collective goal over individual actions, stating, "I am not the one who counts, it is the team that must win, the team comes first."

“

I am not the one who counts, it is the team that must win, the team comes first.