Nigerian international footballer Ademola Lookman has completed a major move to Spanish giants Atletico Madrid after the club reached an agreement with Italian side Atalanta for his transfer.
Atletico Madrid confirmed that Lookman has signed a five-year contract that will keep him at the club until June 30, 2030. The move marks a new chapter in the career of the 28-year-old attacker, who has been one of the most exciting Nigerian players in Europe in recent years.
Lookman is known for his speed, skill, and ability to play in different attacking positions. He is right-footed and can operate as a winger on either side of the pitch or as a second striker. His pace and dribbling make him a constant threat to defenders, while his eye for goal has helped him shine at both club and international level.
Born on October 20, 1997, in Wandsworth, London, Lookman began his football journey in England. He came through the youth ranks of Waterloo FC before joining Charlton Athletic, where his talent quickly stood out. He made his senior debut for Charlton on November 3, 2015, while still a teenager.
His early promise earned him a move to Everton in the English Premier League, where he gained valuable experience at the top level. Lookman later played for RB Leipzig in Germany, as well as Fulham and Leicester City in England. Although his career had ups and downs during this period, these moves helped shape him into a more complete player.
Lookman’s career took a major turn for the better after he joined Atalanta in the summer of 2022. At the Italian club, he rediscovered his best form and quickly became one of the team’s most important players. His performances in Serie A and in Europe earned him praise from fans, coaches, and football analysts.
The highlight of his time at Atalanta came during the 2023/2024 season when the club won its first-ever continental trophy, the UEFA Europa League. In the final, Atalanta defeated German side Bayer Leverkusen 3-0. Lookman was the star of the match, scoring all three goals in a memorable performance.
That hat-trick was even more special because it handed Bayer Leverkusen their only defeat of the entire season. The match placed Lookman firmly among the top attackers in world football and attracted interest from several top clubs across Europe.
During his time at Atalanta, Lookman played 137 matches in all competitions. He scored 55 goals and provided 27 assists, impressive numbers that reflect his impact on the team. His consistency and big-game performances made him a fan favourite in Bergamo.
At international level, Lookman first represented England at youth level. He was part of the England Under-20 team that won the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in 2017. However, he later chose to represent Nigeria at senior level, a decision that has been widely praised by Nigerian football fans.
Lookman made his debut for the Super Eagles on March 25, 2022. Since then, he has become a regular member of the national team. He has played 41 matches for Nigeria and scored 11 goals, contributing to the team’s success in major tournaments and qualifiers.
His move to Atletico Madrid is seen as a big step for both his club career and his role in the national team. Atletico, managed by Diego Simeone, are known for their strong fighting spirit, disciplined style, and competitive nature in Spanish and European football.
Before completing the transfer, Lookman passed his medical tests at the Vithas-Invictum High-Performance Sports Medicine Centre at Arturo Soria University Hospital in Madrid. He then visited Atletico Madrid’s offices at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium, where he signed his contract.
He was welcomed by the club’s Chief Executive Officer, Miguel Ángel Gil, who oversaw the signing of the deal. Atletico Madrid expressed confidence that Lookman’s qualities would add strength and depth to their attacking options.
For Nigerian football fans, Lookman’s move to Atletico Madrid is another sign of the growing influence of Nigerian players in top European clubs. His success is expected to inspire young footballers across the country.