Maikeli Lomu (born 29 October 1997) is a footballer who played as a defender for the Veitongo FC. Born in the United States, he is a Tonga international.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 29 October 1997 | ||
| Place of birth | Spanish Fork, United States | ||
| Position(s) | Midfielder | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team | Veitongo FC | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2024– | Veitongo FC | ||
| International career | |||
| 2024– | Tonga | ||
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Life and career
editLomu was born on 29 October 1997 in Spanish Fork, has a diverse heritage, with a Tongan father and an American mother.[1] Growing up in his hometown of Spanish Fork, he attended Spanish Fork High School.[2] Married with three daughters, he and his wife once co-owned a pottery studio together.[3] Over the years, he has also resided in Texas.
Lomu primarily plays as a central midfielder, having developed his skills on his high school soccer team. Although he was offered a college soccer scholarship, the opportunity was withdrawn after he served a Mormon mission. In 2024, he signed with Tongan club Veitongo FC and has since represented Tonga internationally. His first call-up to the Tonga national football team came during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification,[4] though the team was eliminated in the first round.
References
edit- ^ "The American family who swapped Texas for Tonga to chase a World Cup dream". The New York Times.
- ^ "Spanish Fork Native Maikeli Lomu Chases Dream of Playing in 2026 World Cup". ESPN 960.
- ^ "Footballer moves to Tonga to chase World Cup dream". PMN.
- ^ "Maikeli Lomu's journey from Texas to Tonga's national football team". Talanoa o Tonga.