Castello Lukeba

About

Junior Castello Lukeba (born 17 December 2002) is a French professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Bundesliga club RB Leipzig.

Lukeba was born in Lyon. Having joined the Lyon Academy in 2011, Lukeba signed his first professional contract with the club on 1 July 2021. He made his professional debut for Lyon on the 7 August 2021 as a starter against Brest on 2021–22 Ligue 1 opening round. He played full 90 minutes during the match but it eventually ended in a 1–1 draw. Lukeba made his European football debut on 25 November 2021 on a 3–1 against Brøndby in 2021–22 UEFA Europa League group stage. He scored his first goal for the club on 22 December 2021 against Metz with a header, assisted by Rayan Cherki with a cross following a corner. In January 2022, he extended his contract until 2025.

On 11 August 2023, Lukeba moved to the Bundesliga club RB Leipzig for a total reported fee of €34 million, signing a five-year contract. Lukeba repeatedly emphasised his excitement and eagerness to join RB Leipzig, saying: “I was extremely keen on joining RB Leipzig and moving to the Bundesliga, so I’m really happy that the move is now complete…