Luca Koleosho

Early life and youth development

Luca Koleosho was born and raised in the United States, the son of a Nigerian father and an Italian-Canadian mother. He began playing organized soccer at the age of seven with his local club, Trumbull United, based in Connecticut. From ages seven to eleven, he played for the Manhattan Kickers, a youth soccer club based in New York City, where his performances on two separate trips to Spain with the team convinced his parents to support a move to a European academy. In 2016, he joined the youth academy of CF Reus, a club in Catalonia, Spain, beginning his formal development in European football. After four years developing there, he made a significant step up in 2020 by moving to the youth system of La Liga club RCD Espanyol. His progression through Espanyol's ranks was swift, culminating in him signing his first professional contract with the club on June 2, 2021, a deal that bound him to Espanyol for three additional seasons. During the 2022 season, he was a key part of the Espanyol under-19 team that reached the final of the Copa del Rey Juvenil, where they were defeated by Real Madrid, marking an early highlight in his youth career.

Club career in Spain and England

Koleosho's senior club career began with Espanyol B in the fourth-tier Segunda División RFEF during the 2021-22 season. He made his first start for the reserve side on October 8, 2022, and scored his first senior goal against Mallorca B. His first-team debut for Espanyol's senior side came on May 22, 2022, in La Liga, when he came on as a late substitute in the 90th minute of a 0-0 draw with Granada. He scored his first goal for the senior side on June 4, 2023, netting the third goal in a 3-3 draw with Almería on the final day of the 2022-23 league season. This goal came in just his second appearance for the Espanyol first team, a notable achievement for the young player. On July 25, 2023, Koleosho transferred to Premier League club Burnley for a reported fee of £2.6 million, with potential add-ons of £860,000, signing a four-year contract. He made his debut for Burnley on August 11, 2023, starting in a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City. His first Premier League goal came on December 2, 2023, in a 5-0 victory over Sheffield United. During his time with Burnley, he made 15 Premier League appearances in the 2023-24 season and also featured in the Championship, accumulating 28 appearances in England's second tier. His performances in England demonstrated his adaptability to the physical and fast-paced nature of English football.

Loan moves and permanent transfer to Paris FC

After his season in England, Koleosho's club journey took him back to Spain and then to France. On August 21, 2025, he returned to La Liga, joining Espanyol on a season-long loan from Burnley. However, his minutes during this loan spell were limited, with just three La Liga appearances and two outings in the Copa del Rey since the start of the season. This led to another move in the January 2026 transfer window, seeking more consistent playing time. On January 9, 2026, he joined newly promoted Ligue 1 side Paris FC on loan until the end of the season, with the club holding an option to make the transfer permanent. Paris FC sporting director Marco Neppe highlighted Koleosho's athletic and technical profile, noting his speed, energy, and intensity as key attributes that would help him adapt. Koleosho made an immediate impact, scoring the winning goal on his debut for Paris FC in a 2-1 league victory over Nantes on January 18, 2026. Following a successful loan spell, Paris FC exercised their option and signed Koleosho to a permanent five-season contract on July 29, 2026, for an undisclosed fee. In the early part of the 2026-27 Ligue 1 season with Paris FC, he recorded one assist and received one yellow card over 467 minutes of play, with an average performance rating of 6.83 according to statistical trackers.

International career and national team decision

Koleosho's unique heritage made him eligible to represent four different national teams: the United States, Canada, Nigeria, and Italy. This led to a prolonged period of consideration and recruitment by multiple federations before he ultimately committed his international future to Italy. His first international experience came with the United States under-15 team in August 2019, where he made four appearances. In April 2022, he was called to a United States under-20 training camp in Carson, California. Concurrently, Canada's senior national team called him up in June 2022 for a friendly and CONCACAF Nations League matches, though he departed camp after the scheduled matches were cancelled. He received another call-up from Canada in September 2022 for friendlies against Qatar and Uruguay and was listed on preliminary rosters for the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League Finals in May 2023. Throughout this period, he confirmed he had not closed the door on representing the United States, keeping his options open as his club profile grew.

In March 2023, Koleosho accepted a call-up to the Italy under-19 national team for a training camp ahead of the Elite round of qualifications for the European Under-19 Championship. He made his debut for the Azzurrini as a substitute in a 0-0 friendly against Slovenia under-19 on March 25, 2023. His commitment was solidified when he was included in the Italian squad for the 2023 UEFA European Under-19 Championship in Malta, where Italy won the tournament, giving Koleosho his first major international honour. He progressed to the Italy under-21 team, making his debut on November 21, 2023, in a UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifier against the Republic of Ireland. His rise culminated in a call-up to the Italy senior national team by interim coach Silvio Baldini in May 2026 for friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece. Luca Koleosho made his senior debut for Italy on June 3, 2026, playing the full 90 minutes in a friendly match against Luxembourg, thereby cementing his international allegiance.

Playing style, attributes, and market value

Luca Koleosho is primarily deployed as a winger or wide midfielder, known for his explosive pace and direct attacking play. Evaluations from scouts and club officials, such as Paris FC sporting director Marco Neppe, highlight his athletic and technical profile. Neppe described him as a very fast and energetic attacking player with great intensity, capable of causing problems for defences both with and without the ball. His right-footed preference, combined with his speed and dribbling ability, makes him a threat in one-on-one situations on the flank. His style is characterized by a high work rate and a willingness to take on defenders, aiming to create scoring opportunities through crosses or cutting inside. This profile has allowed him to adapt to several of Europe's top leagues, including La Liga, the Premier League, and Ligue 1, at a relatively young age. His market value, as tracked in 2026, was listed at €10.00 million, reflecting his status as a promising young talent with experience in multiple major European competitions.

Career statistics and honours

As of the end of the 2025-26 season, Luca Koleosho's professional career has spanned clubs in Spain, England, and France. His early career minutes were accrued with Espanyol's B team and in limited first-team appearances before his move to Burnley. His most significant club honour to date remains the youth title won with Italy. The following table outlines his known senior club statistics up to the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign, based on available records from his time in top-flight leagues.

In the 2026-27 Ligue 1 season with Paris FC, Luca Koleosho recorded one assist and received one yellow card over 467 minutes of play. His average performance rating for that period was 6.83. His primary honour was winning the UEFA European Under-19 Championship with the Italy under-19 national team in 2023. This achievement is a key part of his footballing resume as he builds his professional profile.

Future prospects and significance in Canadian soccer context

At 22 years of age, Luca Koleosho's career is still in its developmental phase, with his permanent move to Paris FC in 2026 representing a new chapter. His five-year contract with the French club suggests they view him as a long-term project with significant potential to contribute in Ligue 1. His ability to secure a consistent starting role and increase his goal contributions in one of Europe's top five leagues will be the next key test in his progression. For Canadian soccer fans and the Canada Soccer Association, Koleosho remains a prominent example of a dual-national talent who was actively pursued by the national team program. His recruitment was part of a broader strategy under then-coach John Herdman to secure players eligible for multiple countries. His ultimate choice to represent Italy highlights the competitive global landscape for talent with multiple national affiliations and the challenges faced by national federations in securing commitments. His journey from youth soccer in Connecticut to professional leagues in Europe serves as a modern pathway, leveraging European passport eligibility for early development abroad. His continued growth at Paris FC will be monitored as he seeks to establish himself as a consistent performer and potentially earn further call-ups to the Italian national team in the years ahead.

Questions about Luca Koleosho

Is Luca Koleosho eligible to play for Canada?

Yes, Luca Koleosho was eligible to play for Canada through his Italian-Canadian mother. The Canadian senior national team called him up for camps in June and September 2022, and he was listed on preliminary rosters for the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League Finals. Canada Soccer made significant efforts to recruit him, viewing him as a promising dual-national talent. However, after considering his options, which also included the United States, Nigeria, and Italy, he ultimately committed to representing Italy at the international level, making his senior debut for them in June 2026.

Which clubs has Luca Koleosho played for?

Luca Koleosho began his senior career with RCD Espanyol in Spain, making his first-team debut in 2022 after rising through their academy. He transferred to English Premier League side Burnley in July 2023, where he made 15 top-flight appearances. In August 2025, he returned to Espanyol on a season-long loan from Burnley. In January 2026, he moved on loan to French Ligue 1 club Paris FC, which made the transfer permanent in July 2026, signing him to a five-season contract. His youth career included spells with American clubs Trumbull United and Manhattan Kickers before moving to CF Reus and then the Espanyol academy system in Spain.

When did Luca Koleosho make his senior debut for Italy?

Luca Koleosho made his senior debut for the Italy national team on June 3, 2026, in an international friendly match against Luxembourg. He was called up to the senior squad by interim head coach Silvio Baldini for friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece that month. He played the full 90 minutes in his debut cap. This marked a progression from his international youth career, which included winning the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2023.

What position does Luca Koleosho play and what are his key attributes?

Luca Koleosho is an attacking player who primarily operates as a winger or a wide midfielder. He is known for his explosive speed, energetic playing style, and dribbling ability, often taking on defenders in one-on-one situations. Club officials have described his profile as very fast and intense, with the capacity to trouble opposing defences both on and off the ball. He is right-footed and his playing style is suited to creating chances from the flanks through crosses or cutting inside to shoot.

Did Luca Koleosho win any trophies with Italy?

Yes, Luca Koleosho won the UEFA European Under-19 Championship with the Italy under-19 national team in 2023. The tournament was held in Malta, where Italy secured their second continental title at that age level. He was included in the 20-man squad for the Elite round of qualifications and subsequently the final tournament squad. This remains his most significant honour to date in his young career, achieved before his senior international debut.

How much did Burnley pay for Luca Koleosho and what is his market value?

Burnley paid a transfer fee of £2.6 million to sign Luca Koleosho from Espanyol on 25 July 2023. He signed a four year contract with the Premier League club upon his transfer. According to recent market data, his estimated market value as of 2026 is €10.00 million. This valuation reflects his professional career progression through clubs in La Liga, the Premier League, and Ligue 1.

Sources and further reading

• Luca Koleosho (Wikipedia)
• Who is Luca Koleosho? A deep dive on the CanMNT's ... (onesoccer.ca)
• Paris FC sign winger Luca Koleosho on loan from Espanyol (ca.sports.yahoo.com)
• Luca Koleosho, stats, career and market value (fotmob.com)

Checked by the Garbutt Disposal desk. Last updated 2026-10-30.