Former Ajax player and Congolese international striker Jody Lukoki has died at the age of 29, according to a statement from his club FC Twente.
“This morning FC Twente received the terrible news that Jody Lukoki has passed away,” the Dutch club said on its website on Monday.
“The club is shocked and deeply affected by this tragic event. FC Twente sympathizes with their loved ones and wishes them the strength to process this enormous loss,” he added.
The cause of his death was not confirmed.
Lukoki joined Ajax Amsterdam from the youth ranks in 2008 and were promoted to the first division in January 2011.
He won three Dutch league titles with the club in three consecutive seasons, then signed with PEC Zwolle in 2014.
Jody Lukoki (right) competes for PEC Zwolle in the Dutch Cup semi-final against FC Twente on April 7, 2015.
A year later he was transferred to Ludogorets, where he spent five seasons and won three Bulgarian league titles.
After spending one season with Turkish side Yeni Malatyaspor, Lukoki returned to the Eredivisie with FC Twente.
He also played for the Netherlands national team during his youth career, before making his debut for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in March 2015.
Ajax referred to Lukoki on social networks: “Our former player Jody Lukoki has died at the age of 29. Rest in peace, Jody.”
Fans also paid tribute to the striker on social media. “I don’t wish it on anyone. Sending a lot of strength to his family. Rest in peace,” public a user on Twitter.
“29 years too young, he forces his relatives and everyone who knew him,” tweeted another user.