The Rise of Ademola Lookman: How Nigerian forward grew from regular loanee to CAF POTY favourite

• Ademola Lookman’s journey began in London’s Peckham neighbourhood, where he excelled at Waterloo FC and Charlton Athletic
• Despite being eligible to play for England, the Atalanta forward chose to represent Nigeria internationally
• TheRadar highlights Lookman’s journey through several football ranks

Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman’s journey through several football clubs and countries only proves his grit, talent and unyielding ambition. The 25-year-old Nigerian winger, now a star at Serie A club Atalanta and a core player for the Nigerian national team, has carved his path in Italy’s most prestigious league, the Serie A. 

From his beginnings on the streets of Peckham, London, to representing Nigeria on the international stage and rising as a top CAF Player of the Year (POTY) contender, Lookman’s career rise is an inspiring tale of triumph over adversity.

Lookman’s early life, youth journey in London

Born on October 20, 1997, in Wandsworth, Greater London, Ademola Olajide Lookman grew up in the multicultural district of Peckham. Despite the neighbourhood’s reputation for crime, Lookman steered clear of trouble, directing his energy into education and football. 

He attended St Thomas the Apostle College, excelling academically with impressive GCSE results. But his heart was set on football, a passion ignited by watching matches on TV and playing with friends at the local club, Waterloo FC. It was here that his journey truly began when scouts from Charlton Athletic noticed his natural talent and recruited him in 2014.

The Charlton days: A young star on the rise

Lookman’s time at Charlton Athletic’s academy saw him rise rapidly. He became popular for his pace, precision, and goalscoring ability. His dedication paid off, and he earned a place in Charlton’s first team in November 2015. He soon scored his debut goal in a tight match against Brighton & Hove Albion. In a memorable performance, he scored twice in a 2-2 draw with Bolton Wanderers, a feat that highlighted his potential.

His impressive record with Charlton, 10 goals in 45 appearances put Lookman on the radar of Premier League clubs. Everton signed him in January 2017 for £7.5 million, making him one of Charlton’s highest-profile exports in recent history. His first game for Everton couldn’t have been better as he scored in a stunning 4-0 victory over Manchester City, a debut that raised the excitement around his potential.

Loan spells for Lookman at Leipzig, Fulham, Leicester

Despite his dream start at Everton, Lookman’s career faced hurdles. Managerial changes saw Lookman struggle to secure consistent playtime. Determined not to stagnate, Lookman pushed for a loan to Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, where he flourished immediately. 

In his debut match, he scored the winning goal against Borussia Mönchengladbach, making him the first English player to score on a Bundesliga debut since 2009. 

Returning to Everton with high hopes, Lookman once again found himself competing for minutes. By 2020, he joined Fulham on loan, scoring his first goal for the club against Sheffield United. A similar stint at Leicester City followed, where he scored a crucial goal in a 1-0 victory over Liverpool. 

Turning point for Lookman: A permanent move to Atalanta BC

In 2022, Lookman’s journey took another transformative turn. Atalanta BC secured his signing, offering him stability and the opportunity to prove his talents in Serie A. In Italy, Lookman flourished, becoming a key player for the club. He scored on his debut and continued his hot streak through the season, with an unforgettable January 2023 where he netted back-to-back braces against top-tier opponents. His form and consistency earned him admiration across the league, and he quickly emerged as a regular player at Atalanta.

However, it was the Europa League that Ademola Lookman used to announce himself to the global audience. The Super Eagles forward scored a historic hat-trick in the Europa League final against Victor Boniface’s Leverkusen, leading Atalanta to their first major European trophy, a monumental achievement for both the club and Lookman personally. This performance proved him as a top player and put him firmly on the radar for CAF POTY honours.

Ancestry loyalty: Lookman picks Nigeria over England

Lookman’s rise in European football had many expecting him to represent England at the senior level. Having played for England’s youth teams and contributed to their U-20 World Cup victory in 2017, he seemed destined for the Three Lions. Yet, his Nigerian roots called to him, and in 2020, Lookman decided to switch his international allegiance to Nigeria. After FIFA approved the switch in 2022, he debuted for the Super Eagles in March of that year, quickly becoming an influential figure for the national team.

Since then, Lookman has been a key contributor to Nigeria’s successes, including their impressive second-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. 

Record-breaking season and CAF POTY nomination

Lookman’s 2023/2024 season is one for the record books. Finishing with 17 goals and 10 assists in 45 appearances, he has been crucial to Atalanta’s domestic and European campaigns. Beyond his club success, Lookman was a vital presence for Nigeria at the 2023 AFCON, contributing to the team’s path to the final. His Ballon d’Or nomination, where he placed 14th overall, is the third-highest ranking for a Nigerian after Victor Osimhen and Kanu Nwankwo, highlighting Lookman’s impact on the global stage.

This year, Lookman is the frontrunner for the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award. His stellar performances for Atalanta, coupled with his consistent contributions to the Nigerian national team, have made him one of Africa’s most celebrated footballers.

At 27, he has already achieved feats that many can only dream of, and his journey is far from over. Whether on the pitch in Bergamo or representing the green of Nigeria, Ademola Lookman is a star whose light is only beginning to shine.

Super Eagles star Lookman shares his next milestone after Ballon d'Or nomination

Previously, TheRadar reported that Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman, one of Nigeria’s biggest football talents, has set new goals after being nominated for the prestigious 2024 Ballon d'Or and CAF Men's Player of the Year awards. 

The Atalanta BC star has declared his ambition to lead Nigeria to the AFCON 2025 and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, building on his recent successes with both his club and national teams.