Ademola Lookman is a professional footballer whose journey from the vibrant streets of Peckham to the top tiers of European football is a motivational story for the ghetto kids. Known for his blistering pace, exceptional dribbling, and keen eye for goal, Lookman’s career has been a roller-coaster of highs and lows. He first burst onto the scene as a teenage sensation at Charlton Athletic, capturing the attention of Premier League giants with his electrifying performances.
His move to Everton was seen as the beginning of a bright future, but ups and downs took him through the Bundesliga, Premier League loans, and finally to Serie A, where he currently plies his trade with Atalanta.
Ademola Lookman’s career is a story of resilience, growth, and ambition. Regardless of the setbacks he has faced, his journey reflects his determination to succeed at the highest level. Recently, his fallout with Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini has put him back in the spotlight, reigniting discussions about his potential and future in football.
Lookman’s story is more than just football; it is about identity, perseverance, and the quest for success. From his early days at Waterloo FC to becoming one of Nigeria’s brightest stars, Lookman’s journey is the true mirror of the struggles and triumphs of a modern footballer. This article not only talks about his achievements but also discusses the challenges that have shaped him into the player he is today.
Bio-Data
Full Name: Ademola Lookman Olajade Alade Ayola Lookman
Date of Birth: October 20, 1997
Place of Birth: Wandsworth, London, England
Nationality: English-Nigerian (represents Nigeria internationally)
Position: Winger / Forward
Current Club: Atalanta (Serie A)
Previous Clubs: Charlton Athletic, Everton, RB Leipzig, Fulham (loan), Leicester City (loan)
International Representation: England U19, U20, U21, Nigeria Senior Team
Source: Sportdailyfeeds
Early Life and Youth Career
Ademola Lookman was born in Wandsworth, London, to Nigerian parents and grew up in Peckham, a multicultural neighborhood known for its vibrant community. His passion for football was ignited on the streets, where he developed his flair and creativity. Lookman’s journey began at Waterloo FC, a local amateur club where his raw talent was evident from an early age. His exceptional dribbling, pace, and goal-scoring abilities soon caught the attention of Charlton Athletic, leading to his induction into their youth academy.
At Charlton, Lookman thrived, rapidly progressing through the ranks with his dazzling footwork and attacking prowess. His technical skills, combined with his agility and vision, made him a standout talent in the academy.
In November 2015, at just 18 years old, Lookman made his professional debut for Charlton’s senior team against Milton Keynes Dons. Despite Charlton’s struggles in the Championship, Lookman’s performances were a beacon of hope, in an otherwise hopeless season.
Lookman’s impact was immediate and profound. His fearlessness in taking on defenders earned him regular playing time, and he quickly became one of the most exciting young talents in English football. His impressive form saw him score five goals in his debut season, which not only helped him secure the Football League Championship Apprentice of the Year award but also caught the eye of Premier League scouts. As bigger clubs circled, it became clear that Lookman was destined for greater heights than the championship.
Everton Era
In January 2017, Ademola Lookman made a high-profile move to Everton for a reported fee of £7.5 million. It was a dream come true, marking his arrival in the Premier League at just 19. His debut was nothing short of spectacular, as he scored in a 4-0 victory against Manchester City. The goal announced his arrival on the big stage. Nonetheless, his journey at Everton was far from smooth.
After a promising start, Lookman struggled to secure consistent playing time under multiple managers, including Ronald Koeman, Sam Allardyce, and Marco Silva. The frequent managerial changes affected his development, as he was often benched or played out of position. This lack of continuity impacted his confidence and growth, limiting his opportunities. His frustration grew as he found himself on the periphery of the squad, creating a desire for a move abroad.
In January 2018, Lookman secured a loan move to RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga, where he was keen to prove his worth. His decision to move to Germany was initially met with resistance from Allardyce, but Lookman was determined to test himself in a new environment. The loan spell proved to be a turning point in his career as he adapted quickly to the Bundesliga’s fast-paced and tactical style, flourishing under the guidance of then-coach Ralph Hasenhüttl.
RB Leipzig
At RB Leipzig, Lookman made an immediate impact, scoring on his debut against Borussia Mönchengladbach. His pace, flair, and directness added a new dimension to Leipzig’s attack. During his loan spell, he scored five goals in eleven appearances, including crucial strikes against Wolfsburg and Werder Bremen. His performances were so impressive that Leipzig made his move permanent in July 2019 for £16 million, making him one of the most expensive English exports to the Bundesliga.
Contrary to expectations, Lookman’s second spell at Leipzig was marred by inconsistency and limited opportunities. Under Julian Nagelsmann, he struggled to find his place in the team, often competing with established forwards like Timo Werner and Emil Forsberg.
A combination of injuries and tactical adjustments saw his playing time diminish, leading to frustrations over his role. Consequently, he managed only 13 appearances in all competitions, failing to replicate the form that made Leipzig bring him to the Bundesliga.
Determined to regain his confidence and playing rhythm, Lookman sought opportunities elsewhere. He secured loan moves to Fulham and Leicester City, where he aimed to rebuild his reputation and reignite his career. Despite the setbacks, his time at Leipzig taught him valuable lessons about resilience, discipline, and the importance of tactical versatility.
Premier League Loans: Fulham and Leicester City
Lookman joined Fulham on loan for the 2020-2021 season, eager to prove himself again in the Premier League. He quickly became a fan favorite with his direct running, creativity, and goal-scoring ability.
However, his missed Panenka penalty against West Ham drew criticism, overshadowing his otherwise impressive performances.
The following season, Lookman moved to Leicester City, where he played under Brendan Rodgers.
At Leicester, he was deployed as an inverted winger and occasionally as a second striker, contributing vital goals, including a winner against Liverpool. His versatility allowed Rodgers to utilize him in various attacking roles, and he ended the season with a respectable goal tally, proving his worth in the Premier League.
Mere glimpses of his potential notwithstanding, uncertainty over his long-term future in the premier league loomed, leading to his eventual move to Atalanta in Serie A.
Atalanta Adventure
In 2022, Ademola Lookman sought a fresh start by joining Atalanta in Serie A. The move was seen as an opportunity for him to rediscover his form in a tactical league. Lookman made an immediate impact, quickly becoming one of Atalanta’s key attacking threats.
His pace, dribbling, and clinical finishing made him a fan favorite, and he consistently contributed goals and assists. His performances were instrumental in maintaining Atalanta’s competitive edge in Serie A.
Ademola Lookman earned a rare 10/10 rating from the French outlet L’Equipe after scoring a remarkable hat-trick that led Atalanta to their first European trophy, ending Bayer Leverkusen’s 51-match unbeaten run.
This achievement places him among an exclusive group of players who have received perfect scores from the notoriously strict publication.
Lookman’s exciting journey at Atalanta took an unexpected turn recently, due to his fallout with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The tension reportedly arose from over criticism over penalty-taking responsibilities. Gasperini publicly expressed dissatisfaction with Lookman’s approach which he felt cost them the win against Club Brugge, ignoring the fact that the attacked was absent in the first leg when they lost woefully.
This public victimization did not sit well with the usually quiet Lookman who released a public statement expressing his displeasure. This strained relationship created uncertainty about his future at the club, sparking rumors of a potential transfer.
International Career: From England to Nigeria
Ademola Lookman’s international journey is one of ambition. Born in England to Nigerian parents, Lookman was eligible to represent either country. He initially played for England at the youth level, featuring for the U19, U20, and U21 teams. His standout moment came in 2017 when he played an important role in England’s FIFA U20 World Cup triumph, scoring three goals in the tournament.
Despite his success with England’s youth teams, Lookman’s senior international future remained uncertain, as he remained uncapped, despite Gareth Southgate assurances that Lookman was in his plans.
In 2022, Lookman made the bold decision to switch international allegiance to Nigeria. He revealed that Nigeria was always close to his heart, as he frequently visited the country during his childhood. Lookman’s switch was approved by FIFA, and he made his debut for the Super Eagles in a World Cup qualifier against Ghana.
Lookman’s decision was met with mixed reactions because of his initial reluctance to switch, but he has since become a valuable asset for the Super Eagles.
Lookman’s international career with Nigeria has been promising so far with a Best African Player award to show for it. He quickly adapted to the Super Eagles’ style of play, bringing his flair and creativity to the team. His versatility and attacking prowess have made him an integral part of Nigeria’s forward line. His decision to switch to Nigeria reflects his ambition to contribute to football on the global stage.
As he continues to develop, Lookman is expected to play a key role in Nigeria’s quest for continental and global success, especially with the AFCON 2025 coming soon.
Playing Style and Influence
Ademola Lookman is renowned for his electrifying pace, exceptional dribbling skills, and clinical finishing. He primarily operates as a winger but is versatile enough to play across the forward line, including as a second striker. Lookman thrives in one-on-one situations, using his agility and quick feet to beat defenders. His direct style of play makes him a constant threat on the counter-attack, and he is known for his ability to create scoring opportunities both for himself and his teammates.
Lookman’s playing style is heavily influenced by his football idols, Cristiano Ronaldo and Robinho. He admires Ronaldo’s relentless work ethic, goal-scoring instincts, and dedication to excellence, while Robinho’s flair, creativity, and technical dribbling have inspired his attacking approach.
Lookman often mirrors their influence in his performances, combining finesse with explosive pace, as he can seamlessly switch between scoring and playmaking roles.
Ademola Lookman: Future Prospects
Ademola Lookman’s career is a tale of perseverance, identity, and ambition. Despite facing challenges such as limited playing time at Everton, inconsistency at RB Leipzig, and his recent fallout with Gasperini, Lookman has continued to display his talent and determination. His journey reflects the struggles and triumphs of a modern footballer. Lookman’s decision to represent Nigeria adds another feather to his cap, as he decided to embrace his heritage and contribute to African football.
At just 27, Lookman’s story is far from over. His potential to excel at the highest level remains intact, and he has the capability to reach greater heights with the right guidance and opportunities. Whether he stays at Atalanta or moves to another club, Lookman’s resilience and passion for the game will be key to his continued success.
His career serves as an inspiration to young footballers, especially those facing the challenge of dual national identities and the challenges of global football.
Over the years, Lookman has evolved into a more mature and tactically aware player. His experiences in different leagues; Premier League, Bundesliga, and Serie A, have undoubtedly shaped him to become a better player. He symbolizes the dreams of many young players from multicultural backgrounds, showing that talent, hard work, and perseverance can overcome adversity.
Whether he stays at Atalanta or seeks new opportunities, Lookman’s career is far from over. As he continues to write his story, Ademola Lookman remains a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of determination in achieving success. In his quest to pursue greatness, the footballing world eagerly awaits his next chapter.
FAQs
Who is Ademola Lookman?
Ademola Lookman is a professional footballer who plays as a winger/forward. Born in England to Nigerian parents, he represents Nigeria at the international level and currently plays for Atalanta in Serie A.
Why did Lookman switch from England to Nigeria?
Lookman switched to Nigeria due to his strong cultural ties and family roots. He frequently visited Nigeria during his childhood and felt a deep connection to the country.
What happened between Lookman and Gasperini?
Lookman reportedly fell out with Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini due to tactical disagreements and criticism over penalty-taking responsibilities, leading to reduced playing time.
Which clubs has Lookman played for?
Lookman has played for Charlton Athletic, Everton, RB Leipzig, Fulham (loan), Leicester City (loan), and Atalanta.
What are Lookman’s strengths as a player?
Lookman is known for his pace, dribbling skills, and finishing ability. He excels in one-on-one situations and is versatile enough to play across the front line.
Is Lookman’s career at risk after his fallout with Gasperini?
Although his situation at Atalanta is uncertain, Lookman’s talent and resilience suggest he can bounce back. He remains a valuable attacking asset and could either regain his place at Atalanta or seek opportunities elsewhere.
