Not Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi, Romelu Lukaku names this ex-Real Madrid player as his idol

Romelu Lukaku has picked Karim Benzema as his idol in place of the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Belgian striker helped Napoli to clinch the Serie A title last season, finishing the season with 14 goals and 11 assists in 38 matches across all competitions.

Romelu Lukaku praises Karim Benzema for his right mindset

On the other hand, Benzema has achieved massive success with Real Madrid in his career. The Frenchman won multiple league and Champion League titles, as well as the Ballon d'Or during his time at Real Madrid. He left the Spanish club in the summer 2023 to join Saudi Pro League's Al-Ittihad, and currently plies his trade in the Middle East.

While speaking to La Gazzeta dello Sport, Lukaku praised Benzema for winning the Ballon d'Or after turning 32.

"Of course, we have the tools to always do better. I have a gym at my house. Messi, Ronaldo, [Robert] Lewandowski, and [Zlatan Ibrahimovic] are great, but my role model is Benzema, who won the Ballon d'Or after turning 32. You have to look forward with the right mentality. LeBron James says so too," said Lukaku.

Cristiano Ronaldo also joined Saudi Pro League in December 2022 to represent Al-Nassr, and signed a new deal with the Riyadh-based club earlier this month. On the other hand, Lionel Messi is in the final year of his contract with Inter Miami, and his future remains uncertain.

Lionel Messi's decorated career

Lionel Messi is the most decorated player in the history of football, with 46 trophies under his belt so far. 35 of those were lifted with Barcelona, while he also lifted three titles with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and two with Inter Miami.

The eight-time Ballon d'Dor winner won the FIFA World Cup, the Finalissima, and two Copa America titles with Argentina. He also clinched the Under-20 FIFA World Cup in 2005 and the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.