Reigning African Footballer of The Year, Ademola Lookman, has credited Serie A club Atalanta for playing a pivotal role in his rise to prominence in football.
Lookman said the club’s environment was crucial to his development as a player following his remarkable season, which saw him secure a 14th-place finish in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings.
Lookman’s outstanding performances, including a hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, earned him the prestigious Africa’s Best award at the CAF Awards in Marrakech last Monday.
He beat strong contenders like Achraf Hakimi, Ronwen Williams, Serhou Guirassy, and Simon Adingra for the honor.
Reflecting on his career journey, Lookman told Flashscore, “I think the environment that the club (Atalanta) gave me has been very key to obviously my growth as a player.
“And also, just timing, you know, I’ve always believed in myself and to be able to achieve great things. But, yeah, the time has come and, you know, just blessed to be here.”
Lookman’s career has taken him through several European leagues. After rising through the youth ranks at Waterloo, he signed his first professional contract with Charlton Athletic before moving to Everton in 2017.
However, limited playing time at Goodison Park led him to a loan move to Bundesliga club RB Leipzig, followed by stints at Fulham and Leicester City.
His career took a significant turn when he joined Atalanta in a €15m deal, becoming the third African player in Gian Piero Gasperini’s squad.
Since then, Lookman has become a key figure in both his club and national team, leading to his recognition as Africa’s top footballer.
Lookman also opened up about a low point in his career, recalling a penalty miss during his time at Fulham in 2020, which had been heavily criticised.
He credited the support from coach Scott Parker and his own resilience for helping him turn that painful moment into a source of strength.
“Yes, they were not very happy with me, but, you know, they gave me a lot of love and support after especially the coach, Scott Parker,” he continued.
“He helped me a lot to overcome that time but like I said on the stage it’s about turning your pain into power.
“I’ve managed to do that over the past couple of years and continue to do so. To the kids out there aspiring to improve and achieve in life: life may knock you down, and it may not deal you the best cards.”
Lookman’s victory marks him as the sixth Nigerian to win the African Player of the Year award, joining the ranks of legends like Nwankwo Kanu, Emmanuel Amuneke, and Victor Osimhen.
After switching his international allegiance from England to Nigeria, Lookman played a vital role in Nigeria’s runner-up finish at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring crucial goals in the tournament.
Atalanta’s current form also looks promising, as they lead Serie A with 37 points from 16 matches, two points ahead of second-placed Napoli. Lookman will be in action on Sunday, when Atalanta face Empoli in a Serie A clash.
