Romelu Lukaku bizarrely honoured by Napoli zoo as newborn jaguar cub is named after in-form ex-Chelsea & Man Utd striker

The former Chelsea and Manchester United striker, who joined Napoli permanently this summer, has already become extremely popular in Naples. He has displayed fine form for the Serie A side in the 2024-25 campaign and has won over several fans in the city. In a bid to show their love for the Belgian forward, a Zoo in the city recently named a newborn Jaguar cub after the 31-year-old.

• WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

  The zoo named Lo Zoo di Napoli, confirmed the news on social media as they shared an image of the baby Jaguar on their Instagram page. Explaining the decision, the curator of the zoo, Dr Fiorella Saggese said, “The zoo is close to the stadium, we experience every game and we are all big football fans. It is a tribute to Napoli and a wish of good luck for the season.”
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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Lukaku’s reunion with Antonio Conte has been a hit thus far, as the striker has scored four goals and provided five assists in nine games across all competitions as Napoli find themselves four points clear at the top of the Serie A table.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR NAPOLI?

  The Blues, who are currently on a six-game winning streak, will be back in action in the Italian top-flight on Sunday as they take on Atalanta at home.