- Ademola Lookman left the football world stunned when he scored a hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen
- The 26-year-old made history by becoming the first footballer to score a hat-trick in a Europa League final
- Having been born in England to Nigerian parents, Lookman was eligible to play for both England and Nigeria at international level
On Wednesday evening, Ademola Lookman left the football world stunned when he scored a hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen. Lookman was at his best and did not only clinch the European trophy for his club but also brought to an end Leverkusen’s unbeaten run.
Xabi Alonso and his men had completed the Bundesliga unbeaten and were eyeing the treble before Atalanta proved too powerful for them. Lookman grabbed a brace in the first half before completing his hat-trick late on in the second half.
Ademola Lookman scored a hat-trick to help Atalanta win the Europa League title. Photo/ talkSPORT.
The 26-year-old made history by becoming the first footballer to score a hat-trick in a Europa League final. On top of that, he handed Atalanta their maiden European trophy and second major prize in the club’s 117-year existence. For his performance, L’Equipe gave Lookman a rare 10/10 rating. He is only the 17th player in history to be given a perfect rating by the French newspaper.
While a good number of fans may have seen Lookman in action for the first time last night, the Nigerian is actually a top striker who has been delivering for Atalanta consistently. He ended the 2023/24 season with 15 goals. This is the second consecutive season that he has scored 15 goals.
Who Is Ademola Lookman?
Ademola Lookman’s story begins in Wandsworth, Greater London, where he was born on 20 October 1997. His parents are Nigerians who migrated to England seeking a better life.
Lookman is not only gifted in football but also smart academically as he achieved three A*s and five As at GCSE during his days at St Thomas the Apostle College.
Lookman began his football journey at Waterloo where he spent five years before moving to Charlton Athletic. He was handed his first team debut in November 2015 and scored his first goal for the club the following month in a 3-2 defeat against Brighton.
After impressing at Charlton, Ademola Lookman was signed by Everton during the 2017 January transfer window. He made his debut a few days later as Everton thrashed Manchester City 4-0. He struggled for playing time at Everton, which led to the club considering loan options for him.
Career Progress
Lookman was initially supposed to go on loan at Derby County in order to get regular time. However, he opted for a move to the Bundesliga where he signed with RB Leipzig. After impressing in Germany, Leipzig offered him a permanent deal.
During his time at Leipzig, he was loaned out to English clubs Fulham and Leicester City before eventually being sold to Atalanta. Lookman joined Atalanta in the summer of 2022 on a four-year deal. The Nigerian showed the football world his prowess in January 2023 when he scored braces in three consecutive matches. He managed 15 goals and six assists in his debut campaign and was crowned the Atalanta Player of the Season.
On Wednesday evening, Ademola Lookman led Atalanta to a first major silverware by scoring a hat-trick in the Europa League final. He also completed the season with 15 goals. During his two seasons at Atalanta, the Nigerian international has amassed 30 goals from 75 matches and recorded 14 assists.
Which Country Does Lookman Play For?
Ademola Lookman in action for Nigeria. Photo/ The Guardian Nigeria.
Having been born in England to Nigerian parents, Lookman was eligible to play for both England and Nigeria at international level. The talented striker received his first international call-up at youth level to play for the England U19 team. He was approached to play for Nigeria in 2017 but turned down the offer.
Lookman represented England at youth level and despite Gareth Southgate assuring him that he is in his plans, the Atalanta forward decided to switch international allegiances to Nigeria in 2022. He made his debut for Nigeria in 2022 in a goalless draw against Ghana.
Lookman was one of the key players in Nigeria’s squad that reached the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations at the start of this year.
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