As the footballing world turns its gaze to the glitz and glamour of the Ballon d’Or ceremony today, one name stands out among the nominees: Ademola Lookman. The Nigerian forward has not only captured the attention of fans with his electrifying performances on the pitch but has also earned recognition in two prestigious awards—the Ballon d’Or and the CAF African Player of the Year (Men’s Category). This moment marks a significant milestone in Lookman’s career, showcasing his remarkable journey from a promising youth talent to a key player on the international stage.
Standing at 5 feet 9 inches, Lookman’s journey from England’s youth football leagues to the Serie A and Nigerian national team exemplifies resilience and talent. Known for his electrifying pace and remarkable footwork, Lookman has become a key player for Atalanta in Italy, donning the number 11 jersey, and has recently gained international recognition with a nomination for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
Early Beginnings and Rise to Professional Football
Ademola Lookman Olajade Alade Aylola Lookman (MON), born on October 20, 1997, in Wandsworth, England, has made headlines as one of Africa’s most promising football talents. Lookman’s love for football began in the streets of Wandsworth, where he grew up in a Nigerian family that emphasized education and sports. Balancing academics and football, Lookman attended St. Thomas the Apostle College in Nunhead, achieving stellar results in his GCSEs before fully dedicating himself to football.
The winger didn’t start his journey at a major academy despite his talent. Instead, he was discovered in a non-league setting, playing for Waterloo FC, a community football club. This grassroots start was pivotal for Lookman as it grounded him in the realities of the game, away from the spotlight and expectations that come with academy training. Lookman’s dedication and impressive performances at Waterloo FC caught the attention of Charlton Athletic scouts, leading to his recruitment into Charlton’s youth academy.
Known for his incredible goalscoring abilities, Lookman quickly climbed the ranks at Charlton, making his senior debut on November 3, 2015. Within a month, he scored his first goal in a 3-2 defeat at Brighton, signaling his arrival as a young talent in English football. Lookman’s breakthrough season saw him score crucial goals and deliver performances that helped his team and attracted interest from larger clubs. His stellar displays earned him the EFL Young Player of the Month award, a sign of bigger things to come.
Read: Lookman, Troost-Ekong Make CAF 2024 Awards Nominees for Men’s Categories
Lookman Moves to Everton: Stepping into the Premier League
In January 2017, Lookman’s career took a significant leap forward when he signed with Everton for £7.5 million. The move to Everton marked his entry into the English Premier League, one of the most prestigious leagues globally, and with it came heightened expectations. Lookman’s debut was the stuff of dreams – he scored his first goal for Everton in a 4-0 win against Manchester City, instantly endearing himself to the fans and marking his arrival on the big stage.
Though Lookman showed glimpses of his immense potential at Everton, regular playing time was harder to come by due to competition from seasoned players. Despite the challenges, Lookman continued to learn and develop, refining his skills and adapting to the demands of the Premier League. Flashes of brilliance marked his time at Everton, yet the desire for consistent playing time drove him to consider opportunities elsewhere.
Lookman Finds Success in Germany with RB Leipzig
Looking for more playing time and a fresh challenge, Lookman joined RB Leipzig in Germany on loan in January 2018. This move marked the beginning of an exciting chapter in his career, as the Bundesliga allowed Lookman to hone his skills in a new footballing environment. Lookman made an instant impact at RB Leipzig, scoring five goals and providing four assists in just 11 appearances during his initial loan spell.
His performances in Germany were nothing short of sensational, showcasing his adaptability and resilience. Lookman’s stint at Leipzig proved he could thrive outside the Premier League, and the German club was so impressed by his abilities that they signed him permanently in 2019. However, his second spell at Leipzig was challenging, as he struggled to replicate his initial success and faced limited playing time. Despite these setbacks, Lookman’s time in Germany added depth to his game and resilience to his character.
Returning to England with Fulham and Leicester City
After a challenging period in Germany, Lookman returned to England, joining Fulham on loan for the 2020–21 season. Back in the Premier League, Lookman was eager to prove himself once again. His time at Fulham saw him gain regular playing time and contribute significantly to the team’s attack. Although Fulham ultimately faced relegation, Lookman’s performances were a bright spot, displaying his knack for creating goal-scoring opportunities and his willingness to fight until the end.
In the following season, Lookman joined Leicester City on loan, where he would once again test his skills in the English top flight—his time at Leicester allowed him to develop further, particularly under the guidance of manager Brendan Rodgers, who recognized Lookman’s talent and provided him with the support needed to excel. Lookman’s performances at Leicester were marked by his agility, creativity, and ability to take on defenders, contributing to memorable moments for the club, including important goals and assists.
Italian Renaissance with Atalanta
In August 2022, he embarked on a new chapter with Atalanta, joining Serie A on a four-year deal. His Italian debut was spectacular, as he scored in a 2-0 win against Sampdoria. The 2023 season saw Lookman’s star rise even further with back-to-back braces and his first career hat-trick in Atalanta’s Europa League final win over Bayer Leverkusen. Notably, Lookman became the first player since 1969 to score a hat-trick in a one-legged European final, leading Atalanta to their first major European trophy.
Read: Africans That Have Been Nominated For Ballon d’Or
International Career with Nigeria
Lookman’s heritage allowed him eligibility for both England and Nigeria. Despite early appearances for England’s U19, U20, and U21 teams, he ultimately decided to represent Nigeria at the senior level, receiving FIFA’s approval in February 2022. Lookman made his debut for the Super Eagles against Ghana in a World Cup qualifier, sparking a new chapter in his international career. At the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Lookman shone brightly, scoring crucial goals in Nigeria’s run to the finals. Although Nigeria finished as runners-up, Lookman’s performances earned him a spot in the Team of the Tournament and the esteemed Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) honor.
Lookman Ademola’s Style of Play and Recognition
Lookman’s agility, dribbling, and sharp sense of positioning have made him one of the most dynamic wingers in European football. He’s known for his daring runs at defenses, and his ability to score and assist with equal finesse has made him invaluable. In recognition of his stellar 2023-24 season, Lookman became the first Atalanta player nominated for the Ballon d’Or due to his contributions to Serie A and Nigeria’s AFCON journey.
Honors and Achievements
- Atalanta: UEFA Europa League Champion (2023–24)
- Nigeria: Africa Cup of Nations Runner-Up (2023)
- Individual: Atalanta Player of the Season (2022–23, 2023–24), Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament (2023), UEFA Europa League Team of the Season (2023–24), Member of the Order of the Niger (2024)
Ademola Lookman’s story is one of perseverance and growth, demonstrating his ability to adapt across leagues and continents. Whether on the Italian fields with Atalanta or representing Nigeria on the global stage, Lookman’s journey is a beacon for young African players aiming to make their mark internationally. As he continues to excel in Serie A and with Nigeria, Lookman’s career trajectory promises even more thrilling chapters and serves as an inspiration for aspiring footballers worldwide.