Ademola Lookman’s rise to prominence in African football has been anything but conventional. From a teenager whose Premier League move seemed like a failure to becoming Africa’s best footballer in 2023, his journey is a powerful tale of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of excellence. Lookman, who was recently crowned Ademola Lookman African Footballer of the Year, has experienced his fair share of setbacks, but his remarkable transformation into one of the continent’s top talents serves as an inspiration to the youth of Africa.
In this article, we will delve into Lookman’s extraordinary journey, from his early days in England to his resurgence with Atalanta in Italy, and his eventual rise to the pinnacle of African football.
Early Struggles: From South London to the Premier League
Born in South London to Nigerian parents, Ademola Lookman’s passion for football ignited at a very young age. In his own words, one of his earliest memories was rolling up his socks in his house and kicking them around—showing a natural instinct for the game long before he started his professional career. Despite growing up in an area where football was king, Lookman’s rise wasn’t as immediate as many would have expected.
In 2014, Lookman joined Charlton Athletic’s youth academy, where he quickly caught the eye with his impressive performances. He made his senior debut for the club in 2015, and by the time he was 19, his talent had already caught the attention of bigger clubs. Everton secured his services for a reported £11 million in January 2017, an ambitious move that saw the young Lookman arrive at one of the Premier League’s historically prominent clubs.
However, his time at Everton didn’t go as planned. Despite a solid debut, scoring as a substitute in a 4-0 victory over Manchester City, Lookman struggled to cement a regular place in the team. A series of managerial changes during his time at Goodison Park—he worked under six different managers—meant that his development was often stifled. Lookman’s time at Everton was a disappointment, and he was loaned out several times to clubs like RB Leipzig, Fulham, and Leicester City in search of more playing time.
Ademola Lookman: The Turning Point in Germany
Lookman’s time in Germany at RB Leipzig, however, marked the beginning of his transformation. He initially moved on loan to Leipzig in 2018, a move that gave him the chance to prove himself in one of Europe’s top leagues. After impressing during his loan spell, Lookman made the move permanent in 2019 for £22.5 million.
But despite the fresh start, things didn’t go as planned. Lookman struggled to make an impact during his first season with Leipzig, as he found himself playing a bit-part role in a squad filled with competition for places. The season was further disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which halted the league’s progress and ultimately limited his opportunities on the pitch.
Despite the disappointment, Lookman’s resilience was evident. During this time, he was praised for his work ethic by coaches like Brendan Rodgers at Leicester City, where he spent two loan spells in the Premier League. Rodgers observed Lookman’s tireless efforts in training, noting his commitment to improving his game, especially working on his finishing. Despite not being a regular starter, Lookman’s dedication didn’t go unnoticed. He would often be seen practicing on the pitch after training, working on his left and right foot to become a more complete player.
Ademola Lookman: The Rebirth in Italy
The pivotal moment in Lookman’s career came when he signed for Atalanta in August 2022. Lookman arrived at the Italian Serie A club with the intent of rediscovering his form in a new environment. His decision to join Atalanta marked a fresh start—a chance to reset his career and play regularly in a team that prioritizes an attacking style of play.
Lookman quickly adapted to life in Bergamo, where he described the city as “chilled,” and his style of play quickly aligned with the team’s emphasis on attacking football. His transformation into one of the top players in Serie A was nothing short of remarkable. With Atalanta, Lookman became a key figure in their attacking setup, contributing significantly with goals and assists.
In just over a year with the club, Lookman made 97 appearances, scoring 43 goals and providing 23 assists—his most productive spell by far in his career. One of the highlights of his time at Atalanta came in the 2023 Europa League final, where Lookman scored a sensational hat-trick to help Atalanta secure their first-ever continental trophy. His hat-trick also made him the first player in 49 years to score a hat-trick in a European club final. Lookman’s performances in Europe and in Serie A cemented his place as one of the top forwards in the continent, and his influence at Atalanta continued to grow.
Ademola Lookman: Becoming the Best in Africa
Lookman’s career reached a new height in 2023 when he was voted the Ademola Lookman African Footballer of the Year. This recognition came after a standout season with Atalanta and his pivotal role in Nigeria’s campaign at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Lookman played a key role in Nigeria’s successful run to the final of the tournament, scoring vital goals in the knockout stages, including both goals in the Super Eagles’ 2-1 victory over Cameroon in the round of 16 and the match-winning goal against Angola in the quarterfinals. Although Nigeria ultimately finished as runners-up, Lookman’s performances were crucial to their success, and he was deservedly named in the team of the tournament.
Being named Ademola Lookman African Footballer of the Year was a momentous occasion for the 27-year-old. When he received the award in Marrakesh, Morocco, Lookman reflected on his journey from a young boy in South London to the best footballer in Africa. He shared an emotional message with the youth of Africa, encouraging them to turn pain into power and not let failures define their future. “Four years ago, my career felt down, but now I’m here as the best player in Africa,” Lookman said during his acceptance speech, his words serving as an inspiration for many.
A Message of Hope for Africa’s Youth
Lookman’s success is not just a personal achievement—it’s a message of hope for young Africans who may be facing similar struggles. The Nigerian forward’s story is one of perseverance, resilience, and hard work, and it resonates with many across the continent who face obstacles in their pursuit of greatness.
In his acceptance speech, Lookman emphasized the importance of persistence: “Don’t let your failures stop your dreams.” This powerful message, combined with his remarkable rise to the top of African football, makes Lookman a role model for young aspiring players across the continent.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Ademola Lookman?
With Atalanta currently leading Serie A and chasing their first-ever top-flight title, Lookman’s powers continue to grow. His success in Italy, combined with his influential performances for Nigeria, suggests that his career has reached new heights—and the best may still be yet to come. Lookman’s journey is far from over, and as he continues to shine both in club football and for the Super Eagles, the future looks incredibly bright for the man who has now been crowned Ademola Lookman African Footballer of the Year.
As Lookman continues to impress on the pitch, his story will undoubtedly inspire future generations of African footballers. His rise from struggling in the Premier League to becoming the best player in Africa serves as proof that setbacks can be overcome, and dreams can be realized with dedication, hard work, and resilience.
In conclusion, Ademola Lookman African Footballer of the Year is not just a title—it’s the culmination of years of perseverance and growth. His journey is a reminder that failure is not the end, but merely a step towards success. With his talent, work ethic, and determination, Lookman has truly earned his place as Africa’s best.
