From Humble Beginnings to Stardom
Ademola Lookman, born in South-East London, had a challenging childhood. Living with his mother and sibling, he often encountered hardships. The world of football provided him an escape and newfound energy. Not being immediately spotted by football academies, Lookman focused on making decisions that would not jeopardize his future. His breakthrough came when he was selected to face Charlton academy players, landing a scholarship that set the course for his professional career.
Career Challenges and Triumphs
Lookman's journey through professional football was riddled with challenges. After an unremarkable stint at Everton and a series of struggles at RB Leipzig and Leicester, he found a renewed sense of purpose and discipline. Lookman's diet and sleep adjustments facilitated better performance, leading him to join Atalanta Bergamo. His maturity and dedication to self-improvement paved the way for his eventual success.
Historic Milestone in Europa League
Ademola Lookman made history by scoring a hat-trick in Atalanta's 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the 2024 Europa League final, held in Dublin. This remarkable achievement marked the first time an African player scored two or more goals in a major European competition final. Lookman's performance, described as one of the happiest days of his career, was instrumental in ending Bayer's 51-game unbeaten streak and securing Atalanta's first European title.
- Lookman's professional debut came in November 2015 during a Championship match against MK Dons. His early inspiration was Dele Alli, who gave him the confidence to believe in himself and achieve his potential.
- Atalanta's manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, played a crucial role in the team's success. Known for his high-intensity style and innovative tactics, Gasperini's decision to field an offensive formation against Bayer Leverkusen paid off spectacularly.
- The victory was significant not only for Atalanta but also for Italian football, potentially allowing an additional Italian team to participate in the UEFA Champions League.
