Mourning in Amsterdam: Ex-Ajax professional Lukoki dies at the age of only 29
Shock in the Netherlands and Congo: Ex-Ajax talent Jody Lukoki died at the age of 29.
This was announced by Lukoki’s last club FC Twente Enschede on Monday in an official statement via Twitter. “The club is shocked and deeply moved by this tragic incident,” wrote the club, and also felt with “his loved ones and wishes them a lot of strength in dealing with this great loss.” However, what caused the national player of the Congo to die remained unclear.
The technical director of Twente Enschede told the Dutch newspaper De Telegraf: “It’s unbelievable. At this young age. So sad. This is really terrible. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.”
Ajax Amsterdam, where Lukoki began his professional career in 2011, also shared their horror at the 29-year-old’s early death via Twitter.
Our former player Jody Lukoki has passed away at the age of 29.
Rest in Peace, Jody 🤍
— AFC Ajax (@AFCAjax) May 9, 2022
In addition to Ajax, Jody Lukoki also played for Eredivisie clubs SC Cambuur-Leeuwarden and PEC Zwolle. Overall, he completed 87 games in the top Dutch league, scoring nine goals.
Jody Lukoki won three league titles with Ajax Amsterdam
After his time in Holland, the right-winger moved to Ludogorets Razgrad in Bulgaria, where he played for five years and, like with Ajax, won three league titles. FC Twente Enschede signed him last summer after Lukoki spent a year in Turkey with Yeni Malatyaspor.
However, due to a cruciate ligament injury, Lukoki was unable to play once for the club. Shocking news followed in February. The national player’s contract with Enschede is terminated. The reason: Lukoki was sentenced to community service and a suspended prison sentence for domestic violence. So Lukoki was last without a club.