Ademola Lookman’s journey from the gritty depths of London’s non-league football to being crowned Africa’s Best Player is nothing short of extraordinary.
His story begins not with the fanfare of academies or privileged pathways, but with a kid chasing a dream on the modest pitches of Waterloo FC. While many peers gave up, Lookman’s raw talent and relentless spirit caught the eye of Charlton Athletic, sparking the beginning of his rise.
At Charlton, Lookman dazzled with his electric pace, sharp finishing, and a fearless flair that couldn’t be coached. It wasn’t long before Everton came calling, investing £7.5 million in 2017 for the young prodigy.
His debut was a fairytale moment—scoring against Manchester City and hinting at superstardom. But the Premier League can be ruthless. Lookman found himself struggling for consistency, shifting between the bench and sporadic starts. Despite flashes of brilliance, he never quite settled, leading to loan spells and uncertainty.
A stint at Fulham seemed promising but is remembered for a single painful moment—a botched Panenka penalty against West Ham. The miss was a viral humiliation, and he was branded a flop. Yet, where many careers might have crumbled, Lookman refused to break. He took the criticism, endured the ridicule, and kept grinding.
Seeking a fresh start, Lookman made a brave move abroad. First, he headed to Germany’s RB Leipzig, where progress was incremental. Then came Italy, and with Atalanta, everything clicked. In Serie A’s technically demanding environment, Lookman flourished, finally free from the crushing weight of Premier League expectations.
Lookman’s redemption arc reached its peak in 2024. His incredible performances earned him the CAF Men’s Player of the Year award. In a year filled with milestones, he ranked 14th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or standings, the only African on the shortlist.
He made history as the first player to score a hat-trick in a UEFA Europa League Final, securing the Man of the Match award. His standout performances also saw him named in both the AFCON Team of the Tournament and the UEFA Europa League Team of the Season.
Adding to his accolades, Lookman was pivotal in leading Nigeria to the AFCON final and Atalanta to the Coppa Italia final. He earned six Man of the Match awards for Atalanta in just four months and was deservedly named the club’s Player of the Season.
Reflecting on his journey, Lookman said:
“Four years ago, I failed in front of the world. Today, I’m the best player in Africa.”
Alongside Lookman’s triumph, Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was named CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year for the second consecutive year, marking another proud moment for Nigerian football. President Bola Tinubu extended his congratulations to Lookman, Nnadozie, and the Super Falcons, recognizing their remarkable achievements.
From a forgotten misstep to continental glory, Ademola Lookman’s story is proof that perseverance, grit, and belief can turn even the darkest moments into a legacy of success.
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