Naples zoo has made an unusual but heartfelt tribute to Napoli’s star striker, Romelu Lukaku, by naming a newborn jaguar cub in his honour, Soccernet.football reports.
The Belgian forward, who joined Napoli from Chelsea this summer, has quickly won the hearts of fans with his impressive performances.
Now, as the 2024-25 Serie A season unfolds, Lukaku’s impact has extended beyond the pitch and into the city’s zoo.
Lo Zoo di Napoli, situated near Napoli’s Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, took to social media to announce the tribute.
The zoo shared an image of the jaguar cub on Instagram, introducing the little feline named “Romelu.” Dr. Fiorella Saggese, the zoo’s curator, explained the decision, saying, “The zoo is close to the stadium, we experience every game, and we are all big football fans. This is a tribute to Napoli and a wish of good luck for the season.”
The 31-year-old striker has indeed been a major influence, tallying four goals and five assists in just nine games across all competitions.
His reunion with former manager Antonio Conte appears to be sparking a resurgence, with Napoli currently on a six-game winning streak that places them four points clear at the top of the Serie A standings.
Napoli’s next test comes on Sunday, as they prepare to face Atalanta in front of their home crowd. With Lukaku in form and the team’s momentum building, fans will be eager to see if their beloved “jaguar” can continue to lead them toward another victory.