Ademola Lookman: Nigerian star who became first African to score hat-trick in UEFA final

Ademola Lookman has captured the attention of football enthusiasts worldwide with his remarkable journey through the sport. From his early days at Charlton Athletic’s academy to his current exploits on the international stage, the prowess on the pitch of this talented footballer born in England to Nigerian parents has earned him both admiration and accolades.

Lookman’s extraordinary performance in the 2023-2024 UEFA Europa League final, where he scored a sensational hat-trick to lead Atalanta to a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen, is a testament to his exceptional talent. This historic feat not only secured Atalanta’s first Europa League title but also made Lookman the first African player to score a hat-trick in the final of a UEFA competition.

With these notable achievements, Lookman continues to showcase his exceptional talent and dedication to the game. Join us as we uncover the story of Ademola Lookman, a rising star in the world of football.

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Ademola Lookman biography

Ademola Lookman, born on October 20, 1997, is a footballer currently with Italy’s Atalanta. He was born in England but represents Nigeria in international matches. His parents are Nigerians and he attended St Thomas the Apostle College in Peckham.

Ademola Lookman career

Lookman kicked off his football journey with Charlton Athletic’s academy in 2014, switching from his local club, Waterloo, in Lambeth. He quickly rose through the ranks thanks to his knack for finding the back of the net, making his first-team debut on November 3, 2015, for Charlton.

Not long after, he bagged his debut goal against Brighton & Hove Albion on December 5, 2015, and followed it up with a brace against Bolton Wanderers 10 days later.

Moving on, Lookman sealed a deal with Everton on January 5, 2017, for an undisclosed sum, reportedly starting at £7.5m and potentially rising to £11m with bonuses. His first appearance for Everton was a memorable one, scoring in a 4–0 victory over Manchester City. He also made his European debut, helping Everton secure a 1–0 win against MFK Ružomberok.

Despite initial plans to keep Lookman at Everton, he went on loan to Derby County in the Championship in January 2018. However, he opted for a move to RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga instead, making an instant impact by scoring the winner in his debut match against Borussia Mönchengladbach.

After a stint back at RB Leipzig, Lookman returned to Everton in 2019 before heading to Fulham on loan in 2020, where he notched his first Premier League goal against Sheffield United. His journey continued with a loan move to Leicester City in 2021, where he debuted against Manchester City and later clinched victory over Liverpool with a crucial goal.

Lookman made a switch to Serie A side Atalanta in 2022 and marked his debut with a goal against Sampdoria. He subsequently impressed with consistent performances in January 2023.

According to reports, Lookman has become the fifth player in Serie A to achieve over 20 goals and provide more than 10 assists since the beginning of the previous season. He joins an elite group including Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, AC Milan’s Raphael Leão, Roma’s Paulo Dybala, and Milan’s Olivier Giroud.

Previously, Lookman never reached double figures in goals during his time at Charlton, Everton, Leipzig, Fulham, or Leicester. However, he has now netted 30 goals over two seasons with Atalanta.

International career

Lookman, born in England to Nigerian parents, had the option to represent either country internationally. He received his first international call-up for England’s U19 squad and later played in the European U19 Championships.

In 2017, Lookman played a key role in England’s U20 team during the FIFA U-20 World Cup, scoring crucial goals in the tournament and helping England secure victory in the final against Venezuela. He later received call-ups for England’s U21 team, making his debut and contributing to a goal against the Netherlands under-21s.

Despite initial approaches from Nigeria’s national coach, Lookman opted to remain with England. However, after several rejections, he eventually switched his allegiance to Nigeria in January 2020.

FIFA approved Lookman’s request to play for Nigeria in February 2022 and he made his debut for the Nigerian national team in March 2022, participating in World Cup qualification matches against Ghana.

Lookman was then included in Nigeria’s squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he made a significant impact by scoring crucial goals in the round of 16 and quarter-final matches.

Honours

LFE Apprentice of the Year in the Championship: 2015–16 season.
The FIFA U-20 World Cup (England): 2017.
Atalanta Player of the Season: 2022–23 season.
UEFA Europa League: 2023-2024 season

Ademola Lookman stats

Lookman has played a total of 328 games in his career, with 76 goals and 29 assists.

Ademola Lookman Europa League Final

In a scintillating display of footballing prowess, Lookman etched his name in the annals of European football history by scoring a hat-trick as Atalanta triumphed over Bayer Leverkusen with a commanding 3-0 victory in the Europa League final at the Dublin Arena in Ireland. This historic win marks the first time Atalanta has secured the prestigious trophy.

Lookman’s hat-trick is particularly noteworthy, as he became the first player to achieve such a feat in a one-legged European final since Pierino Prati’s remarkable performance in the 1969 European Cup final. In addition, he became the First African player to score a hat trick in the final of the UEFA competition, and the first player to score a hat trick in a Europa League final.

Bayer Leverkusen entered the final boasting an extraordinary unbeaten streak, having navigated the entire Bundesliga season without a single loss and remaining undefeated in 51 matches across all competitions. Their formidable record, however, was dismantled by a relentless Atalanta side driven by Lookman’s brilliance.

The match commenced with high intensity, and Atalanta swiftly asserted their dominance. In the 12th minute, Davide Zappacosta delivered a precise pass into the penalty area, where Lookman displayed remarkable composure to slot the ball past the Leverkusen goalkeeper, Matej Kovar, giving Atalanta an early lead. This opening goal set the tone for the rest of the encounter.

Lookman continued to torment the Leverkusen defence and doubled Atalanta’s lead with a stunning strike from outside the 18-yard box, finding the bottom left-hand corner with precision and power. His technical excellence and clinical finishing were on full display, leaving the opposition and spectators alike in awe.

The culmination of Lookman’s night of excellence came in the 75th minute. Demonstrating both speed and skill, he completed his hat-trick with a superb effort that once again left Kovar helpless. This goal not only sealed the victory but also ensured Lookman’s place in Europa League folklore.

Atalanta’s victory also marks a significant milestone for Italian football, as they became the first Italian team to win the Europa League since Parma’s triumph over Marseille in 1999.

Reflecting on his performance and the team’s achievement, Lookman expressed delight at his performance, stating: “One of the best nights of my life.”