Ademola Lookman Olajade Alade Aylola Lookman, born on 20 October 1997, is a professional footballer who currently plays as a forward for Serie A club Atalanta and the Nigerian national team.
Born in England to Nigerian parents, Lookman has quickly become one of the most exciting talents in European football, making a significant impact at both the club and international levels.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that his impressive career trajectory has seen him evolve from a promising youth player into a key figure in Serie A and international football.
Ademola Lookman was born in Wandsworth, Greater London, into a family of Nigerian descent. Growing up in a football-oriented environment, he attended St Thomas the Apostle College in Nunhead, where he excelled academically, achieving an impressive three A*s and five As at GCSE.
From a young age, Lookman showed a natural flair for football. He began his football journey at the grassroots level, playing for Waterloo, a youth club in the London Borough of Lambeth. His exceptional talent soon became evident, and it wasn’t long before he caught the attention of professional scouts.
Charlton Athletic
Lookman’s professional career began in 2014 when he joined Charlton Athletic’s academy. His remarkable goal-scoring record with the U18 and U21 teams led to a rapid promotion to the first team. Lookman made his senior debut on 3 November 2015, in a match against Brighton & Hove Albion, where he scored his first goal in a 3-2 loss. His potential was further highlighted when he scored a brace in a 2-2 draw against Bolton Wanderers, catching the eye of clubs across the UK.
Everton and Loan to RB Leipzig
In January 2017, Lookman made a significant move to Everton for a reported £7.5 million, potentially rising to £11 million with add-ons. He made an immediate impact by scoring on his debut in a 4-0 win over Manchester City. Despite a promising start, Lookman struggled to secure a regular spot in the first team. In January 2018, he sought more playing time through a loan move to RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga. Lookman’s time at Leipzig began on a high note as he scored the winning goal on his debut against Borussia Mönchengladbach.
RB Leipzig and Further Loans
Lookman made his move to Leipzig permanent in July 2019, signing a five-year contract with the club. He continued to impress with key performances, including loan spells at Fulham (2020-2021) and Leicester City (2021-2022). At Leicester, Lookman delivered memorable performances, including a brilliant goal against Liverpool in December 2021.
Atalanta
In August 2022, Lookman made a high-profile move to Serie A side Atalanta for a reported fee of €15 million. He quickly adapted to Italian football, scoring on his debut in a 2-0 victory over Sampdoria. Lookman’s impact continued into 2023, where he scored three consecutive braces, helping Atalanta secure a strong finish in Serie A and a UEFA Europa League victory in the 2023-24 season. His crowning moment came in May 2024, when he made history by becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in a one-legged Men’s European final, leading Atalanta to a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final.
Lookman was born in England, which made him eligible to represent both England and Nigeria at international level. Having played for various England youth teams, including winning the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup, Lookman made the bold decision to switch his international allegiance to Nigeria in 2020.
He made his senior debut for Nigeria in March 2022 during a World Cup qualifier against Ghana. Lookman played a key role in Nigeria’s journey to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where they were narrowly defeated by Ivory Coast. His excellent performances during the tournament earned him widespread recognition, culminating in the 2024 African Player of the Year award.
Atalanta
England U20
Nigeria
Individual Awards
Ademola Lookman is currently in a relationship with Jayda Love, an IT specialist from Dallas. Jayda graduated in 2021 with a degree in Public Relations from the University of Oklahoma.
Lookman stands at 1.75 meters (5 feet 9 inches) tall and is known for his agility, pace, and ability to score crucial goals for both club and country.
Ademola Lookman is one of the highest-earning players at Atalanta, with an impressive weekly salary of £41,000. His annual salary for the 2023/24 season stands at £2,132,000. With a rapidly growing career and numerous lucrative contracts, his estimated net worth is between £7 million and £12.7 million.
Ademola Lookman’s rise through the ranks of European football has been nothing short of remarkable. From a young talent at Charlton Athletic to a standout forward for Atalanta and Nigeria, Lookman continues to impress fans and experts alike. With his combination of technical skill, determination, and drive, the future looks bright for this exciting forward.
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