Luka Romero, often hailed as the “Mexican Messi,” has taken the football world by storm with his remarkable skill, composure, and determination at a very young age. As a player currently representing Deportivo Alavés on loan from AC Milan, Luka Romero’s story is one of exceptional talent and resilience. From breaking records as the youngest player in La Liga to his meteoric rise in European football, Luka Romero has solidified himself as one of the most promising talents of his generation.
This article explores Luka Romero’s life, career path, and achievements—shedding light on the young footballer’s inspiring rise to stardom.
Early Life and Family
Luka Romero Bezzana was born on November 18, 2004, in Durango, Mexico, to Argentine parents. His father, Diego Romero, was a professional footballer, and Luka inherited his passion for football from his family roots. Luka has a twin brother, Tobías Romero, who is also a footballer and plays as a goalkeeper.
From a young age, Luka’s talent shone brightly. At just three years old, his family relocated to Villanueva de Córdoba, Spain, and later to Formentera in the Balearic Islands. Moving to Spain proved pivotal for Luka Romero, as it kickstarted his footballing education. By the time he was seven years old, Luka had joined Sant Jordi, a football academy in Ibiza.
Remarkably, by the age of ten, Luka had already drawn the attention of major European clubs. Despite a trial with FC Barcelona in 2011, he could not sign with the Catalan giants due to age restrictions. Instead, he joined Mallorca’s youth academy, where his career began to flourish.
Football Education and Development
Luka spent the formative years of his footballing education at Mallorca, honing his skills as an attacking midfielder. During his time in the academy, he exhibited exceptional playmaking ability and scored an astonishing 230 goals in 108 matches, solidifying his reputation as a future star.
His breakthrough moment came in 2020 when, at 15 years and 219 days, Luka Romero made his professional debut for Mallorca in La Liga, becoming the youngest player in the history of the league to do so. The record-breaking debut against Real Madrid marked the beginning of Luka’s professional career, with the football world taking immediate notice of his immense potential.
Club Career Highlights
Debut with Mallorca
Luka Romero’s time at RCD Mallorca was filled with landmark moments. During the 2020–21 season, he contributed to both the first team and the reserves. Luka scored his first professional goal on November 29, 2020, during a Segunda División match against UD Logroñés, becoming the youngest scorer in Mallorca’s history.
Move to Lazio
On August 19, 2021, Luka Romero joined Serie A club Lazio, where he continued to make history. He became the youngest debutant in Lazio’s history when he played against Spezia during the 2021–22 season. Furthermore, in 2022, Luka became the first player born in 2004 to score in Serie A—a critical milestone in his career.
Switch to AC Milan and Loan Spells
Following his tenure at Lazio, AC Milan secured Luka Romero on a free transfer in July 2023. While opportunities at Milan were initially limited due to competition within the squad, Luka showcased his potential during preseason matches, including a sublime goal scored against Real Madrid in a friendly.
To gain more first-team experience, Luka was loaned to La Liga clubs Almería in January 2024 and Deportivo Alavés in the 2024–25 season. At Almería, he delivered standout performances, including a brace against Atlético Madrid. His loan spells have allowed him to develop his craft and demonstrate his versatility as a winger and attacking midfielder.
Physical Attributes
Luka Romero possesses a compact yet athletic build, which supports his ability to maneuver past defenders with agility and precision.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.69 m) |
| Weight | 141 lbs (64 kg) |
| Position | Attacking Midfielder / Winger |
International Career
Although born in Mexico, Luka chose to represent Argentina in international football to honor his heritage. Having lived in Spain for over a decade, he is also eligible to represent Spain. However, his heart lies with Argentina, where he has played at various youth levels, including the U15, U16, U17, and U20 teams.
Notably, Luka was part of Argentina’s squad for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, held on home soil. Although the team exited in the Round of 16, Luka impressed with his performances throughout the tournament.
Net Worth and Earnings
Luka Romero’s net worth is estimated to be around €2 million, with a gross annual salary of €1.67 million while on loan from AC Milan to Alavés. Luka’s growing popularity and market value, currently estimated at €5.5 million, indicate a bright financial future.
Awards and Recognition
- Youngest Player in La Liga History – Debut at age 15
- First 2004-Born Scorer in Serie A – 2022
- Featured in The Guardian’s Next Generation List (2021) for the best young football talents worldwide
Professional and Personal Struggles
Like many young athletes, Luka Romero has faced the challenge of meeting high expectations while adapting to different leagues and teams. Limited playing time at AC Milan tested his patience and resolve, leading him to pursue loan opportunities in Spain. Despite these hurdles, Luka has consistently risen to the occasion, proving his resilience and commitment to growth.
Legacy and Future Prospects
At just 20 years old, Luka Romero has already amassed an impressive resume, setting records and earning accolades as a young prodigy in football. His technical skill, incredible vision, and determination make him one of the most exciting players to watch in the coming years. Many view him as a potential star for both club and country, capable of making a significant impact on the global stage.
