In the tapestry of Belgian football, few names loom as large as Romelu Lukaku. When one searches for the top scorer in Belgium national team history, it is Lukaku’s name that now resonates at the very summit. Join SaiKick as we trace the path of Belgium’s all-time leading marksman—how he surpassed legends, built his legacy, and continues to etch his name in the annals of Red Devils’ history.
The rise of Lukaku: from debut to record breaker
Romelu Lukaku made his senior debut for Belgium on 3 March 2010, in a match against Croatia, when he was just 16 years old. Over the years, he matured into a powerhouse forward, combining physicality, technical skill, and an uncanny instinct for goals. In November 2017, he equaled the record held by Bernard Voorhoof and Paul Van Himst by scoring his 31st international goal. A few days later, with a goal vs Japan, he officially became Belgium’s all-time top scorer. Despite some debate with FIFA on match recognition, the Belgian Football Association has long celebrated Lukaku’s status as their top marksman.
Current statistics: how many goals has he scored?
As of June 2025, Lukaku has accumulated 89 goals in 124 appearances for Belgium, an average of about 0.72 goals. His breakdown across competitions is noteworthy:
- 25 goals in friendlies
- 19 goals in World Cup qualifiers
- 5 goals in World Cup final tournaments
- 21 goals in European Championship qualifiers
- 6 goals in European Championship finals
- 13 goals in UEFA Nations League matches
His goal tally includes four hat-tricks: versus Luxembourg (friendly), Gibraltar (World Cup qualifier), Sweden (Euro qualifier), and a four-goal explosion against Azerbaijan in Euro 2024 qualifying. Lukaku’s record in major tournaments is also significant—he holds the Belgian record for most goals at World Cups and European Championships combined.
Ranking the Belgian greats: all-time top scorers list
While Lukaku sits at the top, Belgium has a rich tradition of scorers whose names deserve respect. Below is a look at some of the most prolific:
| Rank | Player | Goals | Caps | Era / Notes |
| 1 | Romelu Lukaku | 89 | 124 | Modern era, record holder |
| 2 | Kevin De Bruyne | 34 | 113 | Midfielder with scoring ability |
| 3 | Eden Hazard | 33 | 126 | Retired, attacker/winger role |
| 4 (tie) | Bernard Voorhoof | 30 | 61 | Historic legend (1928–1940) |
| 4 (tie) | Paul Van Himst | 30 | 81 | Attacking legend of 1960s-70s |
These figures reflect not just longevity but also the shifting styles of Belgian football across decades. While Voorhoof and Van Himst ruled the early years, modern football gave us Lukaku, De Bruyne, Hazard, and others capable of blending creativity and goalscoring.
Key milestones & records within the record
Beyond holding the top spot, Lukaku has racked up numerous sub-records and remarkable feats:
- Most goals in a single calendar year: 15 (in 2023)
- Most goals in a qualifying campaign: 14 in Euro 2024 qualifiers
- Most hat-tricks for Belgium: 4
- Most goals in competitive matches: 64
- Longest streak of scoring in consecutive matches: 7
Additionally, he’s made his mark in tournaments. Lukaku holds the record for Belgium’s most goals in World Cups and European Championships combined, demonstrating his ability to perform on the biggest stages.
The legacy: what Lukaku means for Belgian football
Lukaku’s ascendancy to the top scorer in Belgium national team history isn’t just about numbers—it’s symbolic. He emerged in a golden generation, playing alongside Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld, and others. His role has often shifted: sometimes the focal point in attack, sometimes a finisher supplied by midfield maestros. Yet in every incarnation, he’s delivered.
His leadership, longevity, and consistency make him a generational icon. He’s had seasons of club turbulence, yet when the Red Devils’ shirt is worn, he consistently delivers. Younger strikers now look to him as the benchmark for what it means to carry the burden of Belgium’s attacking hopes.
Challenges and future outlook
Even record holders face crossroads. With age and competition increasing, questions emerge: How many more goals can Lukaku add? Will emerging forwards challenge his record? Can he maintain form in major tournaments? If injuries or coaching changes arise, will he still be a regular starter?
Yet Lukaku’s recent commitment signals his intent to remain central to Belgium’s plans. As of March 2025, he was appointed co-captain, reinforcing the trust placed in him by the new coaching staff. His goal contribution remains vital to Belgium’s hopes in qualifiers and tournaments to come.
Conclusion
Top scorer in Belgium national team history—a title that carries weight, prestige, and legacy. Lukaku has climbed past legends, set new benchmarks, and become the standard for future generations. His 89 goals in 124 caps stand as testimony to his enduring impact on the Red Devils.
If you’re a fan eager to stay updated on Lukaku’s tally, compare rival national team scorers, or explore Belgian football history in depth, SaiKick is the place to come back to. Stay tuned—new matches, new goals, new chapters in the story of Belgium’s top scorer await.
