According to a release from his club, FC Twente, former Ajax footballer and Congolese international forward Jody Lukoki died at the age of 29.
“On Monday morning, FC Twente received the devastating news that Jody Lukoki had passed away,” the Dutch club wrote on its website.
“This horrible occurrence has stunned and greatly affected the club. FC Twente expresses its condolences to his family and wishes them strength as they cope with this tragic loss.”
The cause of his death is yet to be determined.
Lukoki began his career with Ajax Amsterdam as a junior player in 2008, progressing to the senior team in January 2011.
Before joining PEC Zwolle in 2014, he won three Dutch league titles with the club in three consecutive seasons.
He moved to Ludogorets a year later, where he lasted five seasons and won three Bulgarian league titles.
Lukoki returned to the Eredivisie with FC Twente after a season with Turkish club Yeni Malatyaspor.
During his youth career, he also played for the Netherlands national team before making his debut for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in March 2015.
On social media, Ajax paid tribute to Lukoki: “Jody Lukoki, one of our former players, died at the age of 29. Jody, may you rest in peace.”
On social media, fans also paid tribute to the striker. “Nobody wants to be in this situation. I’m sending my best wishes to his family. Peace be with you, “one Twitter user stated.
Another person posted, “29 years too young, strength to his relatives and everyone who knew him.”
