Luca Koleosho

{{Infobox football biography

| name = Luca Koleosho

| image = BHA 5 v Espanyol 1 pre season 30 07 2022 159 (cropped).jpg

| full_name = Luca Warrick Daeovie Koleosho

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|2004|9|15|df=y}}

| birth_place = Norwalk, Connecticut, U.S.

| height = 1.75m

| position = Winger

| currentclub = Burnley

| clubnumber = 30

| youthyears1 = 2011–2012

| youthclubs1 = Trumbull United

| youthyears2 = 2012–2016

| youthclubs2 = Manhattan Kickers

| youthyears3 = 2016–2020

| youthclubs3 = Reus

| youthyears4 = 2020–2022

| youthclubs4 = Espanyol

| years1 = 2022–2023

| clubs1 = Espanyol B

| caps1 = 14

| goals1 = 2

| years2 = 2022–2023

| clubs2 = Espanyol

| caps2 = 5

| goals2 = 1

| years3 = 2023–

| clubs3 = Burnley

| caps3 = 42

| goals3 = 3

| nationalyears1 = 2019

| nationalteam1 = United States U15

| nationalcaps1 = 4

| nationalgoals1 = 0

| nationalyears2 = 2023

| nationalteam2 = Italy U19

| nationalcaps2 = 7

| nationalgoals2 = 0

| nationalyears3 = 2023

| nationalteam3 = Italy U20

| nationalcaps3 = 2

| nationalgoals3 = 0

| nationalyears4 = 2023–

| nationalteam4 = Italy U21

| nationalcaps4 = 4

| nationalgoals4 = 0

| pcupdate = 09:28, 1 April 2025 (UTC)

| ntupdate = 11:32, 25 March 2025 (UTC)

| caption = Koleosho with Espanyol in 2022

| medaltemplates = {{MedalSport|Men's football}} {{Medal|Country|{{fb|Italy}}}}

}}

Luca Warrick Daeovie Koleosho (born September 15, 2004) is a professional footballer who plays as a left winger or forward for {{English football updater|Burnley}} club Burnley. Born in the United States, he is currently a youth international for Italy.

Early life

Koleosho began playing with his local soccer club Trumbull United at the age of 7.{{Cite web|url=http://www.americansoccernow.com/articles/koleosho-progressing-at-espanyol-aiming-for-big-steps-in-2022|title=Luca Koleosho progressing at Espanyol, aiming for big steps in 2022|website=American Soccer Now|first=Brian|last=Sciaretta|date=November 30, 2021}} Afterwards, he played for the Manhattan Kickers from age 7 to 11.{{Cite web|url=https://theathletic.com/3620396/2022/09/22/luca-koleosho-canada-usmnt/|title=Luca Koleosho's Canada role could progress like his career has: quickly|date=September 22, 2022|work=The Athletic|first=Joshua|last=Kloke}} After two trips to Spain with the Kickers, his parents decided to help him develop in Spain.{{Cite web|url=http://www.manhattankickersfc.com/pages/Alumni|title=Alumni Updates|work=Manhattan Kickers}} In 2016, he joined the youth academy of Reus, before moving to the Espanyol youth system in 2020.{{cite web|url=https://prosoccerwire.usatoday.com/2022/05/27/who-is-luca-koleosho-espanyol-usmnt-canada/|title=Who is Luca Koleosho? Teenage La Liga debutant in tug-of-war between USMNT and Canada|work=Pro Soccer Wire|first=Seth|last=Vertelney|date=May 27, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://onesoccer.ca/a/who-is-luca-koleosho-looking-at-the-canmnts-newest-youngster-canada|title=Who is Luca Koleosho? A deep dive on the CanMNT's newest call-up|date=May 26, 2022|work=OneSoccer|first=Alexandre|last=Gangué-Ruzic}} Working his way up their youth sides, he signed his first professional contract with Espanyol on June 2, 2021, keeping him at the club for 3 additional seasons.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rcdespanyol.com/ca/noticia/luca-warrick-renova-tres-temporades/12683|language=es|trans-title=Luca Warrick renews for three seasons|title=Luca Warrick renova tres temporades|work=RCD Espanyol}} In 2022, he helped the Espanyol U19 reach the Copa del Rey Juvenil final, where they were defeated by Real Madrid.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/united-states-usa/story/4675546/luca-koleosho-hasnt-closed-the-door-on-usmnt-despite-canada-call-up-source|title=Luca Koleosho hasn't closed the door on USMNT despite Canada call-up – source|date=May 26, 2022|first1=Sam|last1=Marsden|first2=Moises|last2=Llorens|work=ESPN}}

Club career

=Espanyol=

He debuted at the senior level with Espanyol B in the fourth tier Segunda División RFEF during the 2021–22 season. He made his first start on October 8, 2022, and scored his first goal against RCD Mallorca B.{{Cite web|url=https://www.lagradaonline.com/dani-jarque/espanyol-b/rcd-mallorca-b-espanyol-b-ce-antonio-asensio-segunda-rfef-2022-23-victoria|title=RCD Mallorca B – Espanyol B: Victoria corta para un filial muy maduro (0–2)|date=October 8, 2022|language=es|trans-title=RCD Mallorca B – Espanyol B: Short victory for a very mature subsidiary (0–2)|first=Carlos|last=Fanio|work=La Grada Online|access-date=November 8, 2022|archive-date=November 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127125436/https://www.lagradaonline.com/dani-jarque/espanyol-b/rcd-mallorca-b-espanyol-b-ce-antonio-asensio-segunda-rfef-2022-23-victoria|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.lagradaonline.com/dani-jarque/espanyol-b/luca-koleosho-molestias-tobillo|title=Luca Koleosho sigue arrastrando molestias en el tobillo|trans-title=Luca Koleosho continues to drag discomfort in the ankle|language=es|first=Carlos|last=Fanio|work=La Grada Online|date=October 25, 2022|access-date=November 8, 2022|archive-date=November 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130003507/https://www.lagradaonline.com/dani-jarque/espanyol-b/luca-koleosho-molestias-tobillo|url-status=dead}}

He made his first team debut with Espanyol in a 0–0 La Liga tie with Granada on May 22, 2022, coming as a late substitute in the 90th minute.{{cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/soccer/luca-koleosho-could-still-join-usmnt-despite-canada-call-up/ar-AAXLZJO?li=BB15ms5q|title=Luca Koleosho could still join USMNT despite Canada call-up?|first=Zac|last=Wassink|work=MSN}} Koleosho scored his first goal for the senior side in Espanyol's final match of the 2022–23 La Liga season against Almería, netting the third goal for his club in a 3–3 draw on June 4, 2023.{{cite web|url=https://www.rcdespanyol.com/ca/noticia/%F0%9F%8E%A5-flash-%7C-puado-i-koleosho/15667|title=FLASH – Puado i Koleosho|date=June 5, 2023|work=Espanyol}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rcdespanyol.com/ca/noticia/33-empat-a-lrcde-stadium/15656|date=June 4, 2023|title=3–3: Empat a l'RCDE Stadium|work=Espanyol}}

=Burnley=

On July 25, 2023, Koleosho joined Premier League side Burnley for a transfer fee of £2.6m, plus £860,000 in add-ons, signing a four-year deal with the club.{{cite web |date=July 25, 2023 |title=Luca Koleosho: Burnley sign Espanyol winger for £2.6m |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66294292 |access-date=July 25, 2023 |work=BBC Sport}}{{Cite web |last=Molero |first=Iván |date=July 25, 2023 |title=Oficial: Koleosho, al Burnley |url=https://as.com/futbol/segunda/oficial-koleosho-al-burnley-n/ |access-date=December 3, 2023 |website=Diario AS |language=es}}{{Cite web |date=July 25, 2023 |title=KOLEOSHO IS A CLARET! |url=https://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/content/koleosho-is-a-claret |access-date=December 3, 2023 |website=Burnley FC |language=en}} He made his debut for the Clarets on August 11, starting in a 3–0 league defeat to Manchester City.{{Cite news |last=McNulty |first=Phil |date=August 11, 2023 |title=Haaland scores twice as Man City beat Burnley |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66402155 |access-date=December 3, 2023}} On December 2, he scored his first Premier League goal in a 5–0 victory over Sheffield United.{{Cite news |last=Hafez |first=Shamoon |date=December 2, 2023 |title=Burnley thrash Sheff Utd to move off bottom |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/67528613 |access-date=December 3, 2023}}{{Cite web |date=December 2, 2023 |title=Primo gol in Premier League per Luca Koleosho: VIDEO |url=https://sport.sky.it/calcio/premier-league/2023/12/02/koleosho-burnley-gol-video |access-date=December 3, 2023 |website=Sky Sport |language=it-IT}}

International career

Koleosho is eligible to represent the United States, Canada, Nigeria, and Italy, as he was born and raised in the United States to a Nigerian father and an Italian-Canadian mother.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/soccer/2022/09/25/teenager-luca-koleosho-has-international-options-but-enjoys-time-in-canadas-camp.html|title=Teenager Luca Koleosho has international options, but enjoys time in Canada's camp|date=September 25, 2022|work=Toronto Star|first=Neil|last=Davidson}}

=United States=

In August 2019, Koleosho appeared with the United States U15 team, making four appearances.{{Cite web|url=https://sportzbonanza.com/u-s-born-espanyol-winger-luca-koleosho-accepts-canada-call-up/|title=U.S.-Born Espanyol Winger Luca Koleosho Accepts Canada Call-Up|date=May 27, 2022|work=Sports Bonanza}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.soccerwire.com/news/u-s-u-15-boys-national-team-roster-announced-for-italy-trip/|title=U.S. U-15 Boys National Team roster announced for Italy trip|date=April 23, 2019|work=Soccer Wire}}

In April 2022, Koleosho was called up to a United States under-20 training camp in Carson, California.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2022/04/varas-calls-22-players-for-u20-mens-youth-national-training-camp-in-carson-calif|title=Varas calls 22 players for U-20 men's youth national training camp in Carson, Calif.|website=US Soccer Federation}} After his call-up to Canada's senior side in June 2022, Koleosho confirmed he had not closed the door on representing the United States.

=Canada=

Koleosho was called up to the Canada senior national team for a friendly and two CONCACAF Nations League matches in June 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.90min.com/posts/luca-koleosho-accepts-canmnt-call-up-but-remains-eligible-for-usmnt-01g4397ab52y|title=Luca Koleosho accepts CanMNT call-up – but remains eligible for USMNT|first=Lizzy|last=Becherano|date=May 27, 2022|work=90min|access-date=November 8, 2022|archive-date=November 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108033557/https://www.90min.com/posts/luca-koleosho-accepts-canmnt-call-up-but-remains-eligible-for-usmnt-01g4397ab52y|url-status=dead}} He departed the camp after the cancellation of the Iran friendly and the subsequent cancellation of the replacement Panama friendly.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/soccer/article/canadian-mens-team-still-seeking-transparency-as-they-prepare-for-curacao/|title=Canadian men's team players still seeking transparency as they prepare for Curacao|first=Peter|last=Galindo|website=Sportsnet}} In September 2022, Koleosho was re-called to Canada ahead of friendlies against Qatar and Uruguay.{{cite web|url=https://www.rcdespanyol.com/es/noticia/luca-koleosho-y-nabil,-convocados-con-sus-selecciones/14576|title=Luca Koleosho y Nabil, convocados con sus selecciones|language=es|trans-title=Luca Koleosho and Nabil called up with their national teams|date=September 25, 2022|work=RCD Espanyol}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.tsn.ca/joel-waterman-luca-koleosho-canada-world-cup-qatar-2022-canmnt-cf-montreal-espanyol-1.1851231|title=Uncapped Waterman, Koleosho head to CanMNT|date=September 20, 2022|work=TSN}} In May 2023, Koleosho was listed on the Canada preliminary rosters for the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League Finals.{{cite web|url=https://canadiansoccerdaily.com/2023/05/19/concacaf-drops-stacked-canada-preliminary-nations-league-roster-with-some-surprise-names/|date=May 19, 2023|title=CONCACAF drops stacked Canada preliminary Nations League roster with some surprise names|access-date=May 19, 2023|work=Canada Soccer Daily}}

= Italy =

In March 2023, Koleosho accepted a call-up to the Italy under-19 national team, joining a training camp in preparation to the Elite round of the qualifications to the 2023 UEFA European Under-19 Championship.{{Cite web |last= |date=February 2, 2023 |title=I convocati del raduno prima della partenza per la fase élite in Germania |url=https://www.figc.it/it/nazionali/news/i-convocati-del-raduno-prima-della-partenza-per-la-fase-élite-in-germania/ |access-date=February 2, 2023 |website=FIGC |language=it|trans-title=The squad for the rally before the departure for the elite stage in Germany}} He was subsequently included in the 20-men squad that took part in the aforementioned round.{{Cite web |last= |date=March 16, 2023 |title=Fase élite. A caccia dell'Europeo: lunedì partenza per Brema. I 20 Azzurrini convocati da Bollini |url=https://www.figc.it/it/nazionali/news/fase-élite-a-caccia-dell-europeo-lunedì-partenza-per-brema-i-20-azzurrini-convocati-da-bollini/ |access-date=March 17, 2023 |website=FIGC |language=it|trans-title=Elite stage. Hunting for the European Championship: Monday departure for Bremen. The 20 players called up by Bollini}}{{cite web|url=https://www.calciomercato.com/news/quattro-passaporti-tre-nazionali-un-futuro-tra-under-19-e-mercat-78828|trans-title=Four passports, three national teams, a future between the Under 19s and the transfer market: Italy, here is Koleosho|language=it|date=March 29, 2023|title=Quattro passaporti, tre nazionali, un futuro tra Under 19 e mercato: Italia, ecco Koleosho|first=Andrea|last=Distaso|work=Calcio Mercato}} He debuted with them as a late substitute in a 0–0 friendly tie with Slovenia U19 on March 25.{{cite web|url=https://todaytimeslive.com/sports/252340.html|title=Luca Koleosho and his unique record|work=Today Times Live|date=March 26, 2023|first=Rose|last=Herman}}

In June 2023, he was included in the Italian squad for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in Malta,{{Cite news |date=June 29, 2023 |title=Bollini sceglie i 20 Azzurrini per l'Europeo. Domani mattina partenza per Malta |url=https://figc.it/it/nazionali/news/bollini-sceglie-i-20-azzurrini-per-l-europeo-domani-mattina-partenza-per-malta/ |access-date=June 30, 2023 |website=Italian Football Federation |language=it-IT}} where the Azzurrini eventually won their second continental title.{{Cite web |date=July 16, 2023 |title=Portugal 0–1 Italy: Kayode heads resilient Azzurrini to second Under-19 title |url=https://www.uefa.com/under19/news/0283-188223eebd20-1f80f76ca858-1000--portugal-0-1-italy-kayode-heads-resilient-azzurrini-to-s/ |access-date=July 17, 2023 |website=UEFA |publisher=UEFA}}{{Cite web |last=Scognamiglio |first=Pietro |date=July 16, 2023 |title=Gli azzurrini trionfano: campioni d'Europa Under 19. Battuto il Portogallo |url=https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/nazionali/16-07-2023/under-19-portogallo-italia-0-1-gli-azzurrini-campioni-d-europa.shtml |access-date=July 17, 2023 |website= |publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport |language=it-IT}}

On November 21, 2023, he made his debut for the Italian under-21 national team in a 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying match against the Republic of Ireland.{{Cite web |last=Torrisi |first=Antonio |date=November 21, 2023 |title=Irlanda-Italia Under 21 2–2, cronaca, tabellino e voti: pari in extremis, Azzurrini ancora in testa |url=https://www.goal.com/it/liste/irlanda-italia-under-21-2-2-cronaca-tabellino-e-voti-pari-in-extremis-azzurrini-ancora-in-testa/blt53f2ef92a5168b93 |access-date=December 3, 2023 |website=Goal.com |language=it-IT}}

Career statistics

rowspan="2"\|Club !rowspan="2"\|Season !colspan="3"\|League !colspan="2"\|National cup{{efn\|Includes Copa del Rey, FA Cup}} !colspan="2"\|League cup !colspan="2"\|Total
class="wikitable" style="text-align: center" \|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
rowspan=3\|Espanyol \|2021–22{{Soccerway\|luca-koleosho/620496}} \|La Liga \|1	0	0	0	colspan="2"\|—	1	0
2022–23 \|La Liga \|4	1	1	0	colspan="2"\|—	5	1
colspan="2" \|Total !5	1	1	0	colspan="2"\|—	6	1
rowspan=3\|Burnley \|2023–24 \|Premier League \|15	1	0	0	0	0	15	1
2024–25 \|Championship \|27	2	2	0	0	0	29	2
colspan="2" \|Total !42	3	2	0	0	0	44	3
colspan="3" \|Career total !47	4	3	0	0	0	50	4