Ademola Lookman Biography – Ademola Lookman is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays for Italian Serie A Atalanta and also plays for the Nigeria National team.
Lookman secured the Europa League Cup for his side in a final match against Bayer 04 Leverkusen, ending their unbeaten run. A feat which has earned him the record of the first player to score a hattrick in the European Final.
Let’s delve into some of the interesting story of Ademola Lookman, from his early life to career and Rise to Fame.
Early Life and Background
Full Name: Ademola Olajade Alade Aylola Lookman.
Ademola Lookman was born on the 20th of October. 1997 in Wandsworth, London. Lookman, a rising star in the world of football, has captured the attention of fans and pundits alike with his exceptional talent and promising career trajectory.
Ademola Lookman was born to Nigerian parents in Wandsworth, Greater London. While there is limited public information about his mother, his father is known as Ademola Lookman Sr. The Lookman family has supported Ademola’s journey from his early life in London to his successful football career.
He attended St. Thomas the Apostle College in Peckham, where he excelled in his studies, achieving three A*s and five As at GCSE.
From a young boy kicking a ball in the streets to a professional footballer gracing the pitches of top European clubs is a testament to his dedication, perseverance, and innate skill.
Growing up in the vibrant and diverse city of London, Lookman was introduced to football at an early age, like many other children with dreams of sporting greatness. He spent countless hours learning his skills on the local playgrounds and pitches, fueled by a passion for the beautiful game. It was here that Lookman’s natural talent began to shine, catching the eye of coaches and scouts who recognized his potentials.
Despite facing various challenges along the way, including financial constraints and the competitive nature of youth football, Lookman remained determined to pursue his dream of becoming a professional footballer. His unwavering commitment paid off when he caught the attention of Charlton Athletic’s youth academy, where he would embark on the next stage of his footballing journey.
Career Journey and Achievements
Joining Charlton’s esteemed youth setup proved to be a pivotal moment for Lookman, providing him with the platform to further develop his skills and showcase his talent on a larger stage. His rapid progression through the ranks did not go unnoticed, and it wasn’t long before he was knocking on the door of Charlton’s first team.
Below are a summary of his career from beginning till date;
1. Charlton Athletic: Lookman’s professional journey began at Charlton Athletic’s academy in 2014. His prolific goalscoring for the U-18 and U-21 teams earned him a rapid promotion, leading to his first-team debut in November 2015.
2. Everton: He signed for Everton in January 2017, where he played mainly as a winger. Lookman made his debut for the Merseyside club ten days later in a 4-0 victory over Manchester City, scoring the team’s fourth goal.
3. RB Leipzig: Eventually, he was loaned out to Bundesliga club RB Leipzig in the 2018 January Transfer window. In his first game with Leipzig, Lookman scored the winning goal in an away match against Borussia Monchengladbach.
4. Atalanta: Lookman joined Serie A club Atalanta on a four-year contract for a reported fee of €15 million. His impact was felt immediately, and he played a crucial role in Atalanta’s Europa League triumph in the 2023/24 season.
5. Historic Hat-Trick: Lookman etched his name in European football history by becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in a Europa League final. This feat echoed Atalanta’s only previous major honor – the 1963 Coppa Italia.
Europa League Triumph and Stardom
Ademola Lookman delivered an outstanding performance in the Europa League final, playing a pivotal role in Atalanta’s victory. Here are some highlights of his performance:
– Hat-Trick Hero: Lookman scored a hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen, leading Atalanta to a 3-0 win.
– Records Set: His hat-trick set four new records, marking a historic achievement in the Europa League.
– Coach’s Praise: Nigeria’s head coach, Finidi George, praised Lookman’s stunning display, reflecting the impact of his performance.
– Match Impact: Lookman’s goals were crucial in ending Leverkusen’s impressive 51-game unbeaten run, showcasing his ability to perform in high-stakes matches.
Lookman’s exceptional display not only secured the trophy for Atalanta but also etched his name in the history of European football with a memorable performance that will be talked about for years to come.
Ademola Lookman’s Networth and Market Evaluation
Ademola Lookman is estimated to have a net worth of $4 million. His earnings primarily come from his successful football career. Additionally, he has a market value of €30 million as per Transfermarkt.
Lookman’s journey from youth football in London to European football stardom showcases his unparalleled talent and dedication. His achievements on the pitch have solidified his position as one of Nigeria’s rising stars in football.
