Ademola Lookman has completed a move to Atletico Madrid on a four year €40 million deal that is expected to run until June 2030.
The 28-year-old footballer, who represents Nigeria at international level, had the highest goal contributions, three goals and four assists in the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Let’s have a look at the journey, achievement, and stats behind the Super Eagle Star.
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Ademola Lookman Career Background
Born in London, Ademola Lookman began his football journey with Waterloo FC, where he played between 2008 and 2013. He later joined Charlton Athletic in 2013, going on to make 45 appearances and score 10 goals for the club before leaving in 2017.
In 2017, Lookman signed for Everton, where he made 36 appearances, with one goal. Although he sought to leave, the club was initially reluctant to let him go. However, he joined RB Leipzig on loan in 2018, impressing with five goals in 11 appearances. This earned him a permanent move to the club in 2019, although his second spell was less productive, ending with 11 appearances and no goals.
The Nigerian forward spent the 2020/2021 season on loan to Fulham, featuring in 34 matches and scoring four goals, before another loan move to Leicester City in the 2021/2022 campaign, where he made 26 appearances and scored six times.
In due course, in 2022, Lookman joined Atalanta, a move that proved to be the turning point of his career. During the four seasons, up to 2026, he made 105 appearances and scored 41 goals, leaving a lasting impact on the Italian club.
On the international stage, Lookman has represented Nigeria since 2022, appearing in 41 matches and scoring 11 goals to date.
Ademola Lookman Impressive Stats and Achievements
Notably, Lookman played a crucial role in Atalanta’s historic 2023/2024 Europa League triumph, scoring a memorable hat-trick in the final as they defeated Bayer Leverkusen 3–0.
The triumph marked Atalanta’s first trophy in 61 years, since 1963. It was when he joined the team, they carried the trophy, something he describes as a memorable moment.
During the 2023/2024 season, Lookman was named Atalanta Player of the Season and earned a Ballon d’Or nomination, further highlighting his growing reputation. Across all competitions for Atalanta, he recorded 137 appearances, 55 goals, and 27 assists, underlining his attacking influence.
Beyond Europe, he helped Atalanta re-establish themselves as a competitive force in the Italian League. Atalanta finished among the league’s top four and became competitive again.
In 2024, his outstanding performances were rewarded when he won the CAF African Footballer of the Year, confirming his place among Africa’s elite footballers.
His exploits at AFCON further increased interest from top European clubs. However, Atalanta were initially unwilling to part with their star player, which stalled a potential move during the June transfer window, including interest from AC Milan.
Lookman’s Farewell to Atalanta
Following his departure, Lookman shared an emotional message on X:
To the Atalanta family, after nearly four years, the time has come for me to say goodbye. From the moment I arrived in Bergamo, you welcomed me like one of your own and pushed me to be the best version of myself.
Together we made history. European champions, a night none of us will ever forget.
Scoring a hat-trick in a European final and lifting a trophy with this club after a 61-year drought will stay with me. Winning the Africa Player of the Year Award in 2024 as an Atalanta player will always forever stay with me..
Those moments, those emotions, those nights under the lights are engraved in my heart.
The Continuation of a Brilliant Run
The Nigerian forward joins Atlético Madrid with the task of strengthening their attacking options. Known for his versatility, Lookman is capable of operating as a winger, attacking midfielder, or second striker, making him a valuable asset to Diego Simeone’s system.
At the peak of his career and backed by impressive statistics, Lookman enters this new chapter full of confidence. As he begins life in La Liga, fans will be eager to see him continue his upward trajectory and reach even greater heights.
Read more: Top Nigerian Players in the EPL Right Now: Super Eagles Power Ranking
