Rest in peace, Jody Lukoki
Former Ajax attacker Jody Lukoki has tragically passed away at the age of 29, sources close to the player have confirmed.
Lukoki, who came through Ajax’s academy, made his senior debut for the Dutch side in January 2011. During his time at the Johan Cruijff Arena, the winger won three Eredivisie titles.
Following a loan move to Cambuur, Lukoki permanently joined PEC Zwolle in 2014. One year later, he made the move to Bulgarian outfit Ludogorets Razgrad, where he won another trio of league titles.
After a spell with Yeni Malatyaspor, Lukoki signed for FC Twente. Following the news of his passing, the club’s technical director Jan Streur said: “It is unbelievable. At this young age. So sad. This is really terrible. We sympathise with his family and friends.”
Jody Lukoki, ex-Ajax player, has passed away aged 29… The winger was a graduate of the Ajax academy and played a total of 35 matches for the first team.
Rest in peace. 🕊#Ajax pic.twitter.com/tNk4e6vTli
— All About Ajax (@AllAboutAjax) May 9, 2022
Lukoki represented the Netherlands throughout the various age groups – featuring once for the U21s – but chose to play for DR Congo, the country of his birth, as a full international. He earned three caps and scored one goal.
The winger suffered a serious knee injury at the beginning of this season and has been recovering in recent months, having been released by Twente in February of this year. As of yet, the cause of death is unknown.
Tributes pour in for Lukoki
Following the sad news of the 29-year-old’s passing, FC Twente wrote: “This morning FC Twente received the terrible news that Jody Lukoki has passed away. The club is shocked and deeply moved by this tragic event. FC Twente sympathises with his loved ones and wishes them a lot of strength in processing this great loss.”
Vanmorgen heeft FC Twente het verschrikkelijke bericht ontvangen dat Jody Lukoki is overleden. De club is geschokt en diep geraakt door deze tragische gebeurtenis. FC Twente leeft mee met zijn naasten en wenst hen veel sterkte bij het verwerken van dit grote verlies.#fctwente pic.twitter.com/9O3PHapgsL
— FC Twente (@fctwente) May 9, 2022
Another Twitter user added: “Former Ajax youth and first team player Jody Lukoki has sadly passed away at 29 years old. It may be small and silly, but I will never, ever, forget this nutmeg. RIP, Jody.”
Former Ajax youth and first team player Jody Lukoki has sadly passed away at 29 years old.
It may be small and silly, but I will never, ever, forget this nutmeg.
RIP, Jody. 😢 pic.twitter.com/WCRVUpXpS9
— Amir (@AmirFPL) May 9, 2022
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