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 Olympique Lyonnais 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 2021âÂÂ22 Ligue 1 opening round. He played full 90 minutes during the match but it eventually ended in a 1âÂÂ1 draw. Lukeba made his European football debut on 25 November 2021 on a 3âÂÂ1 against Brøndby in 2021âÂÂ22 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 â¬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 IâÂÂm really happy that the move is now complete. IâÂÂm excited by the training ground, the stadium, the city and, above all, the team with all the young players â I canâÂÂt wait to play football here." He made his debut for Leipzig on 19 August 2023 in a 3âÂÂ2 loss against Bayer Leverkusen, being substituted on for Nicolas Seiwald in the 62nd minute. He scored his first goal for RB Leipzig in a 2âÂÂ2 draw against Bayern Munich on 30 September 2023.
Born in France, Lukeba is of Angolan descent. He decided to represent France at the international level and received his first call up in France U-21 in November 2021, where he joined his club mates Maxence Caqueret, Rayan Cherki, and Malo Gusto.
On 9 October 2023, Lukeba received his first call-up to the France national team for matches against the Netherlands and Scotland, replacing the injured Axel Disasi.
RB Leipzig
France U23
Orders