Dodi Lukebakio's Journey: From AC Milan Interest to Benfica Star

There was a moment, not so long ago, when Dodi Lukebakio might have been wearing red and black at San Siro, not ripping through it in opposition colours.

Back in August 2025, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, AC Milan were juggling multiple dossiers. Talks were ongoing with Marseille for Adrien Rabiot, and on the same table sat the name of Lukebakio. The old management, led by Igli Tare, had opened an enquiry. The Belgian winger was firmly in the mix.

The context was clear. Conrad Harder had slipped through Milan’s fingers and the club needed a replacement for Samuel Chukwueze, who was on his way to Fulham. Among the shortlisted options: a quick, left-footed, versatile attacker coming off an 11-goal season in Spain with Sevilla. Lukebakio ticked every box.

On Wednesday night, Davide Bartesaghi discovered exactly why. Up close. And painfully.

Lukebakio’s profile is no mystery. A natural left-footer who loves to start wide, square up his full-back, then knife inside onto his stronger foot. From there, he either whips in a cross or curls a shot towards the far post. That trademark move is precisely what unlocked the game at San Siro, his opening goal arriving in the most Lukebakio way imaginable.

Milan, though, chose another road. Talks never turned into a concrete deal, and the window moved on. Lukebakio left Spain and, in early September, signed for Benfica for around €25m, committing to a five-year contract with a €50m release clause. While Milan recalibrated their attacking plans, the Portuguese club secured a winger entering his prime.

At 28, Lukebakio’s passport tells its own story. Belgium, England, Germany, Spain, now Portugal. A career built on constant movement and adaptation, without ever losing his edge in the final third. For the Belgian national team he has already collected 33 caps and six goals, a steady contributor in a fiercely competitive attacking pool.

His club numbers underline the same theme. Double figures in a single season for Hertha Berlin, Fortuna Düsseldorf and Sevilla: three leagues, three teams, same outcome. When given rhythm, minutes and responsibility, Lukebakio delivers.

Now comes the next chapter in Lisbon. Benfica have handed him a platform and a prominent role. The question almost asks itself: after punishing the club that once considered him, will he hit double figures yet again and turn this move into the most productive spell of his wandering career?