Ademola Lookman biography. African footballers. Ademola Lookman is a professional footballer who plays as a winger for the Serie A club Atalanta and Nigeria’s national team, the Super Eagles.
He was born on October 20, 1997, in Wandsworth, Greater London. Lookman’s journey began at Waterloo, a local youth football club in the London Borough of Lambeth. His rise from grassroots football to becoming a star in European football highlights his incredible talent and determination to achieve his dream of playing at the highest level.
Career
Ademola Lookman has played for clubs in England, Germany, and Italy. Below is a closer look at his club career:
Charlton Athletic
Lookman’s professional football journey began in 2014 when he joined Charlton Athletic’s academy after impressing at Waterloo, a local youth club. His strong performances for Charlton’s U18 and U21 teams quickly earned him a place in the first team.
On November 3, 2015, Lookman made his senior debut for the Addicks. Just a month later, he scored his first goal in a close defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion. His form continued to shine as he scored twice in a 2-2 draw with Bolton Wanderers.
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Everton
In January 2017, Lookman’s talent caught the attention of Everton, who signed him for a reported €8.7 million. He made an unforgettable debut, scoring in a 4-0 victory over Manchester City. Lookman also played in the Europa League during his time with the club.
However, consistent playing time became a challenge under manager Sam Allardyce. Although the club considered loaning him to a Championship side, Lookman wanted to play at a higher level. His wish came true when RB Leipzig offered him a loan deal for the second half of the 2017/18 season.
RB Leipzig
Lookman made an instant impact at RB Leipzig, scoring the winning goal on his debut against Borussia Mönchengladbach. His loan spell was a success, and in July 2019, Everton brought him back with a five-year contract.
Despite his talent, regular opportunities were still limited, and in September 2020, Lookman joined Fulham on loan for the 2020/21 season. He adapted quickly, scoring his first goal for Fulham in a match against Sheffield United.
Leicester City
For the 2021/22 season, Lookman went on another loan, this time to Leicester City. He made his debut in September 2021 against Manchester City and had a standout moment in December, scoring the winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Liverpool. This season proved he could deliver in big moments against top teams.
Atalanta
Lookman’s career took a significant turn when he joined Atalanta in August 2022. After years of loan moves, this transfer gave him the stability he needed.
Lookman made an instant impact, scoring on his Atalanta debut. In January 2023, he had an incredible run, scoring two goals in three consecutive matches – against Salernitana in Serie A, Spezia in the Coppa Italia, and Juventus in a thrilling draw.
His performances cemented his role as a key player for Atalanta and established him as one of the standout stars in Italian football. Lookman’s journey from local youth football in London to becoming a star in Serie A showcases his dedication, adaptability, and talent.
International career
Ademola Lookman’s international career has been marked by a story of divided loyalties. Born in England to Nigerian parents, Lookman was eligible to play for both countries. Early in his career, he progressed through the England youth teams, even playing a key role in their U-20 World Cup win in 2017. Initially, he chose to pursue representing England at the senior level and turned down offers from Nigeria.
However, things changed in 2020. Lookman decided to switch his international allegiance to Nigeria, although he still had some desire to play for England. FIFA officially approved the switch in February 2022, allowing him to represent Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
Lookman made his debut for Nigeria in March 2022 and quickly became an important player for the team. He scored key goals during their campaign at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, helping them secure second place.
This decision reflects the tough choices young players face when deciding which country to represent, especially when they have dual citizenship. Lookman’s story is a reminder of the complex paths athletes take in their international careers.
Ballon d’Or Nomination and Position
Last year, Ademola Lookman was one of the African players most deserving of a Ballon d’Or nomination. His outstanding performances for Atalanta, including a hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final, were key to securing the club’s first European trophy.
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Lookman ended the 2023/2024 season with an impressive 17 goals and 10 assists from 45 appearances. His contributions on the international stage were just as remarkable, with four goal involvements during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria finished as runners-up. These accomplishments solidified his position as one of the top players of the year.
The London-born forward, Ademola Lookman, became the only African player nominated for the Ballon d’Or this year, marking the continent’s smallest representation since 2015, when Yaya Touré was the sole nominee.
Finishing in 14th place, Lookman now holds the third-highest Ballon d’Or ranking by a Nigerian, following Victor Osimhen’s eighth-place finish in 2023 and Kanu Nwankwo’s eleventh-place finish in 1996.
Salary and Net Worth
As of the 2023/24 season, Ademola Lookman earns approximately €48,000 per week, totaling an annual salary of around €2,520,000 excluding bonuses, according to Salarysport. His net worth is estimated to be between €8 million and €14.6 million, reflecting his growing success and market value. With his continued rise in football, Lookman’s wealth is expected to increase in the coming years.