Ademola Lookman, a Nigerian footballer, plays as a winger for Atalanta BC. He’s had a successful career, winning the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup with England’s U20 team.
In 2016, he was recognized as the LFE Apprentice of the Year for the Championship. Lookman made his debut for the Nigerian national team in 2022. He was also honored as the Player of the Season for Atalanta BC in 2022/23.
Early Life and Background
Ademola Lookman Olajade Alade Aylola Lookman, a standout footballer from Wandsworth, England, has captivated the footballing world with his remarkable journey.
Born on October 20, 1997, Ademola Lookman’s roots trace back to Wandsworth, Greater London, where he was raised by Nigerian parents.
Lookman’s academic achievements mirrored his success on the field. He attended St Thomas the Apostle College in Peckham, where he excelled academically, earning three A*s and five As at GCSE.
Career
Lookman’s journey to professional football began at Charlton Athletic’s academy in 2014, after previously playing for Waterloo, a youth football club in the London Borough of Lambeth.
His exceptional skills quickly propelled him into the spotlight, leading to his debut for Charlton’s senior team on November 3, 2015. Notably, he scored his first goal in a thrilling 3–2 match against Brighton & Hove Albion on December 5, 2015.
Everton
On January 5, 2017, Ademola Lookman signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with Everton for an undisclosed fee, which reportedly started at £7.5 million and could rise to £11 million with add-ons.
His impactful debut for Everton occurred in a 4–0 victory over Manchester City, where he secured the team’s fourth goal.
Lookman also made his European debut in the Europa League third qualifying round first leg, contributing to a 1–0 win over MFK Ružomberok.
Bundesliga Stint with RB Leipzig
Despite initial plans for Lookman to stay at Everton, he made a loan move to Championship club Derby County. However, he opted for an alternative path, joining Bundesliga club RB Leipzig for the 2017–18 season.
His debut with Leipzig showcased his prowess as he scored the winning goal against Borussia Mönchengladbach as a late substitute.
Return to RB Leipzig and Premier League Journey
Lookman returned to RB Leipzig on a five-year contract on July 25, 2019. Later, on September 30, 2020, he joined Premier League side Fulham on a season-long loan, marking his first league goal for Fulham against Sheffield United on October 18.
Leicester City and Noteworthy Moments
On August 31, 2021, Ademola Lookman joined Leicester City on a season-long loan. His debut on September 11, 2021, saw him as a 73rd-minute substitute in a 1–0 defeat to Manchester City.
A memorable moment occurred on December 28, 2021, when Lookman scored the only goal in their 1–0 win over Liverpool.
Serie A Move with Atalanta
August 4, 2022, saw Lookman making a significant move to Serie A club Atalanta on a four-year contract for a reported fee of €15 million.
He made an impressive debut, scoring in a 2–0 Serie A win over Sampdoria on August 13. In January 2023, he showcased his skills by scoring braces in three consecutive matches.
International Career
Born in England to Nigerian parents, Ademola Lookman is eligible for both countries’ national teams. He received his first international call-up for the England U19 squad and later played a crucial role in England’s victory in the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Despite earlier rejections, Ademola Lookman switched his international allegiance to Nigeria in January 2020. His debut for Nigeria took place on March 25, 2022, in their scoreless draw with Ghana during the African section of qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Africa Cup of Nations Triumph
Lookman was named in Nigeria’s squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he made a significant impact.
He scored both goals in Nigeria’s 2–0 win over Cameroon in the round of 16, followed by the only goal in a 1–0 win over Angola in the quarter-final.
Personal Life
As of 2024, Ademola Lookman remains focused on his football career, currently playing for Atalanta.
However, he has managed to keep his personal life under wraps, maintaining a private stance on his romantic relationships and marital status. The football sensation prefers to let his on-field achievements speak louder than his personal life.
Family Background
Lookman’s strong connection to his Nigerian roots is evident through his parents, who played a significant role in shaping his character and values.
While details about Lookman’s siblings are not widely known, it is apparent that his family has been a source of support throughout his journey.
Ademola Lookman Net Worth
As of 2024, Ademola Lookman’s impact extends beyond the field, with an estimated net worth ranging between $5 million to $7 million. His weekly salary of £41,000 reflects his invaluable contributions to Atalanta.
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