Ademola Lookman is a talented and exciting young winger who has become a rising star in football.
He has built a promising career at club and international levels, impressing fans with his speed, skill, and ability to make plays on the field.
In this article, we will take a deep look into Ademola Lookman’s journey, including his early life, club career, international games, playing style, and the many honours he has won at a young age.
Early Life:
Ademola Lookman was born on October 20, 1997, in Wandsworth, London, England.
His Nigerian heritage plays a significant role in shaping his identity, and his athleticism stems from his early exposure to various sports.
Lookman’s passion for football blossomed at a young age, leading him to pursue his dream with unwavering dedication.
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Club Career:
Lookman’s professional career kicked off in 2015 when he stepped onto the field for Charlton Athletic, a team competing in the Championship, the second tier of English football.
He immediately made an impression, showcasing his talent and earning the prestigious LFE Championship Apprentice Award in the 2015-16 season.
His impressive performances caught the attention of Premier League giants Everton, who signed him in January 2017.
While his time there was marked by both flashes of brilliance and periods spent on loan to gain experience, his contributions helped the team secure a respectable eighth-place finish in the 2017-18 season.
Lookman’s loan spells proved fruitful, allowing him to explore different playing styles and hone his skills in diverse environments.
He spent time with German Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, gaining valuable experience in a fast-paced and competitive league.
He also had successful loan stints with Fulham and Leicester City in the Premier League, demonstrating his adaptability and ability to contribute to teams with different playing philosophies.
In August 2022, Lookman embarked on a new chapter in his career, joining Italian club Atalanta. He quickly settled into the team, scoring on his debut and making a significant impact.
As of February 2024, he continues to impress with his performances in Serie A and the UEFA Europa League.
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International Career:
Ademola Lookman’s international career journey is quite interesting, as he holds dual nationality for both England and Nigeria.
Born in England to Nigerian parents, Lookman was eligible to represent both countries at the international level.
He began his international career representing England at the youth level, playing for various age groups from U19 to U21.
He even participated in the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup with the England U20 team.
In 2017, Lookman received an invitation to join the senior Nigerian national team but opted to remain with England.
However, in 2022, he made a different choice and decided to represent Nigeria.
Lookman debuted for Nigeria on 25 March 2022, in a match against Ghana during the third round of the African section of qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, marking a new phase in his international career.
Since his debut, Lookman has become a regular member of the Nigerian national team.
He played a valuable role in their qualification for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and even scored a crucial goal during the tournament.
His performances demonstrate his commitment to representing Nigeria and contributing to the team’s success on the international stage.
Honours So Far:
Despite being a young player, Ademola Lookman has already collected some impressive individual and team accolades throughout his career. Here are some of his notable achievements:
Individual:
- Championship Apprentice of the Year: 2016 (with Charlton Athletic)
- RB Leipzig Player of the Month: January 2019 (with RB Leipzig)
- Fulham Player of the Month: November 2020 (with Fulham)
- Atalanta Player of the Season: 2022–23 (with Atalanta)
International:
- Africa Cup of Nations Runner-up: 2023 (with Nigeria)
- Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament: 2023 (with Nigeria)
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Playing Style:
Ademola Lookman is a dynamic winger known for his explosive pace and skillful dribbling. He uses his speed to create chances, both by bursting past defenders and delivering dangerous crosses. Lookman plays a direct and creative style, constantly seeking to make an impact on the game.
