Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia has set the record straight on social media rumors regarding his nationality. Speaking after Chelsea's 2-0 win against Manchester United, the Belgium international clarified that his family background is Congolese, not Ghanaian.

Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia has dismissed claims that he has Ghanaian roots, insisting that his family background is Congolese.

Romeo Lavia

The 22-year-old made the clarification in an interview with Ghanaian journalist Rahman Osman following Chelsea's 2-0 victory over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, October 31, 2026.

Lavia was asked about social media discussions linking him to Ghanaian ancestry but insisted that the claims were untrue.

The midfielder also spoke about his upbringing, expressing gratitude to his family for the support they gave him while growing up.

Asked about his childhood, he said:

Lavia's clarification addresses speculation among some Ghanaian football supporters about his possible ancestral connection to the country and whether he could have been eligible to represent the Black Stars.

Lavia was born in Brussels, Belgium, on January 6, 2004, and represents the Belgian national team and his parents are of Congolese origin. 

Lavia has represented Belgium at youth and senior international levels, making his senior debut in March 2023 in a friendly against Germany.