Ademola Lookman was born in Wandsworth, London, and began his career at Charlton Athletic. He moved to Everton in 2017 and had spells at RB Leipzig, Fulham and Leicester City before joining Atalanta in 2022.
In Bergamo he found his best form. His hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, which ended the German side’s unbeaten season, remains one of the great final performances. He was named African Footballer of the Year in 2024.
Lookman chose to represent Nigeria after playing for England at youth level. He joined Atlético Madrid in February 2026.
Playing style
Lookman is a direct, quick winger who is dangerous with the ball at his feet. He dribbles well, has an eye for goal and can play on either wing or as a second striker. At Atalanta under Gian Piero Gasperini he flourished, combining creativity with goals. His hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League final showed his quality in big moments. He is also hard-working, pressing opponents and helping defensively.
International career
Lookman played for England at youth level before switching to Nigeria in 2022. He was one of Nigeria’s best players at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring three goals as Nigeria reached the final. He was named African Footballer of the Year in 2024.
Career in numbers
Since his first senior season in 2015/16, Lookman has made 367 club appearances and scored 98 goals in all competitions for 7 clubs. The 2024/25 season, with 20 goals from 40 matches for Atalanta, remains his highest tally. His busiest campaign was 2023/24, with 45 appearances. So far in 2026/27 he has 1 goal in 8 appearances for Atlético Madrid. The full season-by-season record is in the Stats section of this profile.