“Lukebakio is reborn and promises to shine in the final stretch for Benfica.”

Dodi Lukebakio, the Belgian winger who previously made headlines at Benfica, is preparing for a triumphant return as the season reaches its final stretch. After a challenging period marked by a serious injury, the 28-year-old player has not only regained his form but has also reaffirmed himself as an essential asset for the team. His recent performance for the Belgian national team, where he scored two goals in a friendly against the United States, has brought him back into the spotlight and reinforced his motivation.

The impact of the injury, which sidelined him for three months due to a fracture in his left ankle during a match against Liechtenstein, was significant. During this time, he watched his competitors for the position, such as Andreas Schjelderup and Gianluca Prestianni, shine and secure places in the starting lineup. Despite the challenges, Lukebakio did not let it get him down: “I even shed tears after scoring my first goal [in the game against the United States]. That means a lot. The last few months have not been easy,” he declared emotionally to the Belgian press.

The player, who Benfica acquired from Sevilla for 20 million euros, plus 4 million in bonuses, is now determined to reclaim his spot in the starting eleven. He acknowledges the strong performances of his teammates: “The other wingers at Benfica have been doing very well while I was injured. And they still are,” he stated, revealing his struggle to gain more opportunities on the field. Since his return, Lukebakio has participated in six matches, having only started in one game against Arouca, and remained an unused substitute in two encounters, against Santa Clara and Real Madrid.

In addition to wanting to solidify his position at Benfica, Lukebakio is also focused on the national team: “At the same time, I wanted to show that I was fit to be called up to the national team. That’s why I want to thank the coach [Rudi Garcia] because, despite everything, he called me up.” The winger believes that the goals he scored against the United States may have been decisive in securing his place in the 2026 World Cup: “I dream of playing in the World Cup with Belgium. Games like these are important for us to show what we can do.”

With new challenges ahead, Lukebakio will face Mexico in Chicago, where he will have another opportunity to shine and solidify his position in the national team. At Benfica, coach José Mourinho recognizes the player’s value, highlighting his unique characteristics that make him a key asset to the team: “We don’t have an abundance of pure wingers. Lukebakio is the only one capable of making deep runs,” Mourinho said in September.

As the season approaches its climax, Lukebakio is ready to give his all on the pitch, not only to help Benfica fight for second place and qualification for the Champions League but also to establish himself as an indispensable player for the Belgian national team. The future looks promising for this talent who, after overcoming adversities, is determined to make his mark.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.