Full Name: Ademola Lookman
Date of Birth: 20 October 1997
Place of Birth: Wandsworth, England
Height: 5 ft 9 in (1.74 m)
Position(s): Winger
Current Team: Atalanta
Number: 11
While Ademola Lookman continues to rewrite his story in football, his career from childhood has been filled with moments of setbacks, triumph, perseverance, and transformation.
However, there are only a few, who have turned their supposed woes from being named a flop to becoming the best player in a major European final. Hence, we have gone back in time to craft these 11 interesting facts about the Wandsworth-born lad, who was late to the professional game.
Here Are the 11 Ademola Lookman Facts From Childhood You Don't Know
1. He was Born in Wandsworth, and he is of Nigerian Descent
Ademola Lookman was born on 20 October 1997 in Wandsworth, Greater London. He grew up in a culturally rich Nigerian household, as both of his parents are of Nigerian descent. This diverse cultural background significantly influenced his identity and love for football from a young age.
2. He Got Five As and Three A*s in his GCSE
Lookman attended St Thomas the Apostle College in Peckham, where he excelled academically. Demonstrating his dedication to his studies, he attained an impressive three A*s and five As in his GCSEs. These stellar results reflected his intelligence and ability to balance the demands of education and his burgeoning football career. Lookman's academic success during his school years was a testament to his hard work, focus, and determination, which propelled him forward in his professional life.
3. He Began his Football Journey at Age 11 with Waterloo
Before joining the Waterloo youth academy in Lambeth in 2008, Ademola Lookman's football journey began on the local pitches in Peckham. At age 11, he transitioned to Waterloo, diligently developing his skills over five years and laying a solid foundation for his future career. In 2013, he transitioned to Charlton Athletic’s youth academy, further showcasing his talents after initially impressing in a match for London Counties at Charlton’s academy. His unwavering dedication and remarkable progress through these ranks eventually earned him a coveted spot on Charlton Athletic’s senior side.
4. His Exploits at Charlton’s Senior Team Led Didn't Go Unnoticed
Lookman's journey to prominence began with his debut for Charlton Athletic's senior team in early November 2015. A month later, he made headlines by scoring his first goal for the Addicks in a match against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium. His talent and tenacity quickly became evident as he played over 40 matches for Charlton, finding the net in nearly one-third of those games. Lookman's impressive rendition caught the eye of top-tier clubs, ultimately leading him to sign with Everton.
5. His Performances at Charlton Drew Everton's Attention
The Nigeria international’s stellar performances at Charlton Athletic drew the attention of Everton, who made a decisive move to sign him on January 5, 2017, for a reported fee of £11 million. Lookman quickly made an impact, debuting in a 4-0 triumph over Man City. Entering the game as a substitute, he secured the victory by scoring the decisive goal, quickly winning over the Everton fans. However, despite his impression, he seldom earned starting opportunities, being named in the initial lineup only seven times in league matches for Everton.
6. Rb Leipzig Came Calling as They Signed Him Up
RB Leipzig signed Lookman permanently in 2019 after a successful loan spell in 2018. He made a profound impact by scoring the winning goal against Borussia Mönchengladbach in his first game. Despite this promising start, his time at Leipzig didn't go as planned. In the 2020-2021 season, he was loaned to Fulham, playing over 30 matches and scoring four goals. The following season, he was loaned to Leicester City, where he scored five times in 25 games but couldn't secure a permanent starting spot.
7. He Found His Footing with Serie A Side Atalanta
Ademola Lookman found his footing with Serie A side Atalanta, joining the club on a four-year contract for a reported fee of €15 million on 4 August 2022. He set the stage on fire by scoring on his debut in a 2–0 win over Sampdoria on 13 August. In January 2023, Lookman showcased his talent further by scoring braces in three consecutive matches against Salernitana, Spezia, and Juventus.
8. He was Atalanta’s Player of the 2022-23 Season
The Englishman's outstanding performance in his debut season with La Dea earned him the prestigious title of Atalanta Player of the Season for 2022-23. His top displays led to this well-deserved recognition, with Lookman's contributions including an impressive tally of 15 goals throughout the season. In his first two seasons for the Serie A club, he has notched 31 goals in all competitions.
9. His First Career Hat-trick was in the 2024 Europa League Final
Lookman made history on May 22, 2024, by scoring his first-ever hat-trick in the Europa League final at the Dublin Arena, leading Atalanta to a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen and securing the club's first Europa League trophy. This was a monumental moment for Atalanta, marking only their second trophy in 61 years, the first being the 1963 Coppa Italia.
Lookman's incredible performance in such a crucial match is a career highlight and a proud moment for the club. He also became the first player to score a hat-trick in a one-legged Europa final, and the sixth player to score a hat-trick in a European final since Jupp Heynckes in 1975.
10. He Represents Nigeria on the International Stage
Lookman has navigated a unique international football journey, representing England and Nigeria. He initially chose to play for England's youth teams, showcasing his skills in tournaments like the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Despite early approaches from Nigeria, Lookman remained loyal to England.
However, after careful consideration, he switched his allegiance to Nigeria in January 2020, officially approved by FIFA in February 2022. Lookman debuted for Nigeria in a World Cup qualifier against Ghana in March 2022 and played a crucial role in Nigeria's 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, where he received accolades for his executions and was included in the AFCON 2023 Team of the Tournament. His journey reflects his pride in representing his Nigerian heritage.
11. He is the 18th Player to Earn A 10/10 Rating From L’Equipe
Lookman made history as the 18th player to receive a perfect 10/10 rating from L’Equipe. His showing in the Europa League final earned him this prestigious recognition. From his first goal, where he deftly manoeuvred past defenders, to his final strike, Lookman's display was flawless. L’Equipe praised Lookman's goals as masterpieces, highlighting his skill and precision. This rare glowing assessment places Lookman in the esteemed company of football legends like Neymar, Robert Lewandowski, Lionel Messi, and Erling Haaland.
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