Ademola Lookman: The Boy Who Defied the Odds

Ademola Lookman: The Boy Who Defied the Odds

Ademola Lookman: The Boy Who Defied the Odds Ademola Lookman’s achievements in 2024 culminated in his winning the CAF Player of the Year Award, a well-deserved recognition of his phenomenal season. At the time of writing, Lookman has recorded 26 goals and 10 assists for the year and secured 14th place in the Ballon d’Or rankings. His current success is amazing, but as with many great stories, the journey to this pinnacle has been anything but smooth. Lookman’s footballing journey began on the streets of Wandsworth, South London, where he played Sunday League football with Waterloo FC. Growing up in Peckham, he was no stranger to challenges. In the acclaimed documentary South of the River, Lookman recalled relying on meals at friends’ homes after football, as food was scarce at home. His mother’s struggles became his driving force, instilling in him the determination to succeed against the odds. His talent was undeniable, and Jason Euell, a former Charlton striker, played a pivotal role in shaping his early career. Under Euell’s guidance, Lookman rose swiftly through Charlton’s youth system and broke into the first team. His debut came just a year after joining the club, and he capped his first full Championship season with five goals, earning Charlton’s Young Player of the Year award. Despite Charlton’s relegation to League One, Lookman’s brilliance attracted Premier League interest. In January 2017, Everton signed him for £11 million, marking a major step in his career. But new challenges soon emerged. Lookman made a dream start at Everton, scoring on his debut in a 4-0 victory over Manchester City. However, consistency eluded him, and he struggled to secure a regular starting role. Determined to seek better opportunities, he rejected a loan move to Derby County and opted for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga. The move initially seemed like the perfect fit. During his loan spell, Lookman scored five goals and provided four assists in just 11 games. Despite this success, his permanent move to Leipzig failed to live up to expectations, leading to subsequent loan spells at Fulham and Leicester City. Both stints in the Premier League showcased his potential but also highlighted his inconsistency. The infamous Panenka penalty miss for Fulham against West Ham was a defining moment of his struggles. By the end of the 2021/22 season, Lookman seemed destined to be another tale of unfulfilled promise. In 2022, Atalanta took a gamble, signing Lookman for £15 million from Leipzig. Under Gian Piero Gasperini, a coach known for revitalizing undervalued talent, Lookman found his stride. He scored 15 goals in his debut season, rediscovering his joy for the game and cementing himself as a key player. “Gasperini is intense, a strong man, a top coach,” Lookman shared. “He always wants us to attack, but there’s a structure: build up through the thirds.” The 2023/24 season marked Lookman’s true renaissance. He scored 17 goals, including a historic hat-trick in the Europa League final, leading Atalanta to their first-ever European trophy. He became the first African to score a hat-trick in a major European final, securing his place in the history books. While Lookman was born and raised in England, his Nigerian roots played a significant role in shaping his identity. He represented England at youth levels, including winning the U-20 World Cup in 2017, but in 2022, he made the pivotal decision to switch allegiances and represent Nigeria at the senior level. This choice was deeply personal, reflecting his desire to connect with his heritage. Donning the green and white of Nigeria, Lookman became an integral part of the Super Eagles. At the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), he finished as the team’s joint top scorer, helping Nigeria reach the final and further endearing himself to fans. Ademola Lookman’s 2024 campaign has been nothing short of exceptional. His standout performance is undoubtedly his Man of the Match display against Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final but he has shown consistent excellence for club and country. Some of his achievements and records this year include: Europa League Title 14th place in the Ballon d’Or rankings AFCON Silver Medal Atalanta Player of the Season First African to score a hat-trick in a major European final First player to score a hat-trick in a Europa league final AFCON 2023 Team of the Tournament Europa League Team of the Season Multiple Player of the Match Awards The CAF Men’s Player of the Year award is the latest and biggest entry. Lookman’s stock is at an all-time high. From a young boy in South London dreaming of greatness, to a hero for millions of Nigerians, it has been one hell of a journey. The road may have been long and filled with obstacles, but the destination has been nothing short of extraordinary.