Ademola Lookman’s career has been a journey of resilience, skill, and perseverance. From his early days in England to his current success in Italy, he has proven himself as a dynamic attacker. His speed, dribbling, and finishing make him a nightmare for defenders. As of 2025, Lookman plays a key role for Atalanta and the Nigerian national team.
How did he reach this level? Let’s take a deep dive into his career, strengths, and what the future holds.
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Early Life and Youth Career
Ademola Lookman was born on October 20, 1997, in Wandsworth, England. Raised in a Nigerian family, he grew up in London, where football was always part of his life. Unlike many professional players, he didn’t start in a famous academy. Instead, he played grassroots football before joining Charlton Athletic’s youth system at 16.
His rise was quick. Lookman’s pace and dribbling stood out, and he soon made his senior debut for Charlton in 2015. Despite the club struggling in the Championship, he was a bright spot. His performances caught the attention of Premier League clubs, and in January 2017, he secured a dream move.
Premier League Move: Everton
Lookman joined Everton for a reported £7.5 million. It was a big step up, but he made an immediate impact. On his debut against Manchester City, he scored in a stunning 4-0 victory. That moment showed his potential.
However, consistency was an issue. Everton had frequent managerial changes, and Lookman struggled for regular game time. Despite his talent, he didn’t get the trust he needed to develop. In 2018, he was loaned to RB Leipzig in Germany.
Breakthrough at RB Leipzig
The Bundesliga move was a turning point. Ademola Lookman thrived in Leipzig’s attacking system. He scored five goals in 11 appearances during his loan spell, impressing with his direct dribbling and eye for goal. Leipzig wanted to keep him, but he returned to Everton in the summer.
Back in England, his struggles continued. He couldn’t secure a starting spot and was eventually sold to Leipzig permanently in 2019. However, his second spell in Germany didn’t go as planned. Injuries and tactical changes limited his impact, and he sought a fresh start elsewhere.
Loan Spells in England
In 2020, Lookman returned to the Premier League on loan at Fulham. He had a productive season, scoring key goals and showing flashes of brilliance. Unfortunately, Fulham was relegated, and he moved again—this time to Leicester City.
At Leicester, he found more stability. He scored crucial goals, including one against Liverpool, and played a key role in the club’s attack. Despite his contributions, Leicester didn’t make his move permanent, leaving Lookman to search for a new home.
A New Chapter: Atalanta
In the summer of 2022, Atalanta signed Lookman for around €15 million. Many saw it as a gamble, but he quickly proved them wrong. Serie A suited his style perfectly.
Lookman exploded onto the scene in Italy, scoring goals and providing assists regularly. His pace and directness gave Atalanta a new dimension. By the end of his first season, he had double-digit goals, helping Atalanta secure European qualification.
The following seasons saw him continue to shine. He became a key player in Gian Piero Gasperini’s system, linking up well with teammates and terrorizing defenses.
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International Career with Nigeria
Ademola Lookman initially played for England’s youth teams, winning the U-20 World Cup in 2017. However, in 2022, he switched allegiance to Nigeria, his parents’ homeland.
Since then, he has become a vital player for the Super Eagles. His dribbling, creativity, and finishing add another dimension to Nigeria’s attack. He starred in the Africa Cup of Nations, scoring crucial goals and helping Nigeria reach the later stages of the tournament.
With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Lookman is expected to be a key figure in Nigeria’s squad. His experience in top European leagues makes him one of the team’s most important players.
Playing Style and Strengths
Lookman’s game is built on speed, skill, and intelligence. Here’s what makes him special:
1. Dribbling Ability
Lookman is an exceptional dribbler. He can glide past defenders with ease, using quick footwork and close control.
2. Explosive Pace
His acceleration makes him dangerous on counterattacks. Defenders struggle to keep up with his bursts of speed.
3. Finishing and Composure
He has improved his goal-scoring ability, showing composure in one-on-one situations. His finishing has become more clinical over the years.
4. Versatility
Lookman can play on either wing, as a second striker, or even in a central role. His adaptability makes him valuable in different tactical systems.
5. Work Rate and Pressing
He doesn’t just contribute offensively. Lookman is active in pressing and tracking back, making him useful in defensive transitions.
Challenges and Areas for Improvement
Despite his success, Lookman still has areas to refine:
- Consistency: He can dominate games but sometimes fades in others. Maintaining high-level performances week in, week out is key.
- Decision-Making: While his dribbling is excellent, he occasionally holds onto the ball too long. Making quicker decisions in the final third will elevate his game.
- Injury Management: He has had some minor injuries. Staying fit will be crucial for his long-term success.
Future Prospects
Ademola Lookman is in his prime. If he continues his current form, bigger clubs may come calling. A move to one of Europe’s elite teams isn’t out of the question.
For Atalanta, he remains a star. The club will rely on him for goals, creativity, and leadership. If they qualify for the Champions League, he will have another stage to showcase his talent.
With Nigeria, he will play a crucial role in their World Cup qualification campaign. The Super Eagles have a talented squad, and Lookman’s experience in top leagues will be invaluable.
Conclusion
Ademola Lookman’s journey has been filled with ups and downs. From Charlton to Everton, from Leipzig to Atalanta, he has fought for his place at every level. Now, in 2025, he stands as one of the most exciting wingers in European football.
His blend of speed, skill, and finishing makes him a player to watch. Whether for Atalanta or Nigeria, Lookman is ready to shine on the biggest stages. And with his hunger for success, the best may still be ahead.
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