Ademola Lookman’s 2024: His Year of Sheer Dominance

Ademola Lookman, the enigmatic Nigerian winger, has been making decent waves in the football world for the last couple of years.

2024, however, became a particularly stellar year for the attacking midfield wonder, marked by exceptional performances, crucial goals, and a growing reputation as one of the most exciting young talents in the game in present times.

The 27-year-old forward delivered standout performances that placed him in the global spotlight. Thanks to impressive contributions to club and country, he was recognized as one of the top football talents this year.

The former Everton player has been notable for his instrumental impact on his national team, the Super Eagles of Nigeria, especially their run to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire early this year.

He gave an impressive performance that helped Nigeria reach the final of the tourney. Even beyond the shores of his home country and continent, he delivered what observers called “a sight for sore eyes” in Serie A and in Europe.

Ademola Lookman’s 2024: A Year of Dominance

January-March 2024:

The year started with Lookman, and he was already in fine form. The 27-year-old had enjoyed a brilliant entry into the year, having broken into the Super Eagles starting eleven not too long before that and he helped keep them in the thick of things during the country’s quest for glory.

Mola, as Ademola Lookman is fondly nicknamed by his goons.  He was a key player in Super Eagle’s success through the period in focus. His blistering pace, precise dribbling, and clinical finishing made him a nightmare for defenders. He lit up the Eagles team, scoring three goals for them as they finished as runners-up in the AFCON 2023 competition final in February only losing 2-1 to the hosts.

Alongside scoring crucial goals, he provided critical build-up play and consistently created chances for his teammates, which led to his claiming a place in the competition’s team of the tournament.

His performances during this period earned him widespread praise from fans, pundits, and managers alike.

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April-June 2024:

As the season progressed, Lookman never dropped form; his impact only intensified. Upon his return to his club, Atalanta BC, he continued to score goals and create opportunities, helping his team maintain their position at the top end of the Serie A league table. His performances in high-pressure matches were awe-inspiring, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion.

He also played a pivotal role in his team’s successful run in the domestic league title race and in their European competition, the Europa League, scoring important goals and providing crucial assists.

The apex of Lookman’s stellar season saw him win the Europa League, where he netted a hat-trick in the final. The Atalanta star moved to make history as the first player to score a hat-trick in a European club competition final during his club’s triumph over Bayer Leverkusen in the UEFA Europa League final in May. This feat marked Atalanta’s first-ever European trophy win.

He extended his hand of success to his club, reaching the Coppa Italia final against Juventus and wrapping up his season with 17 goals and ten assists.

July-September 2024:

The summer transfer window brings a lot of speculation, and Lookman’s future wasn’t an exemption. A bunch of top clubs, including Arsenal and PSG, were found expressing interest in his services. However, he remained committed to his current club, Atalanta, and his performances in the early stages of the new season proved why he was so coveted.

He remained dominant, scoring goals, creating chances, and dictating the game’s tempo. His ability to effortlessly glide past defenders and deliver precise passes made him a joy to watch. No wonder why his market value jumped and exceeded €60 million.

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2024/25 Football Season Beginning Stages:

As the 2024/25 football year kicked in, Ademola Lookman’s reputation as a world-class talent was already firmly established, and it lit up like wildfire. He continued to shine for his club with distinction, scoring goals, providing assists, and leading his team to victory after victory.

This Nigerian whiz-kid recently delivered a top-drawer performance in Atalanta’s 6-1 win over Hellas Verona at the Gewiss Stadium, scoring two goals and providing two assists. The team scored five goals in the first half before adding a sixth in the second.

His performances in the international club stage have been equally impressive, as he kept propelling Atalanta forward. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver in big moments has undeniably perked him as a valuable asset for the Italian club.

Lookman’s success undeniably saw him nominated for the prestigious Ballon d’Or award. Asides his nomination, he was the only Nigerian, and African representative to achieve such a feat this year on the night.

The Atalanta star stood out as ranking 14th in a 30-player shortlist and proudly flying the flags of Nigeria, Africa, and his club.

This accomplishment marked another major highlight for Nigerian football, following Victor Osimhen’s 8th-place finish last year. His 14th-place finish now ranks among Nigerians’ top five best performances in the Ballon d’Or. Lookman and others in the running were nominated for their performances last season, both at the club and international levels.

Speaking on how it feels to be nominated for the prestigious award, the former Everton man had this to say:

“It’s special being on the list. I have achieved great things for club and country. It’s been a defining year of progress and steps taken, of which I’m very proud.

This is just the start. Great things come with hard work, so working hard is an important thing to me”

Ademola Lookman’s Future Laurels:

With his immense talent, youthful exuberance, and unwavering determination, Lookman’s future is undoubtedly pivoting him towards something else bright and big: the CAF Awards. He has the results that back him to become one of the greatest players on the African continent.

With five goals and five assists in nine games so far this season, Lookman’s strong performances are boosting his chances of winning the CAF award. Fans and teammates alike are hopeful that his form will continue leading up to the December ceremony.

Having played a key role in Nigeria’s journey to the final of the 2023 AFCON, Lookman also carried his excellent form from last season into the new campaign, continuing to shine for Atalanta.

Lookman, for his part, shared his excitement after being nominated for the prestigious African Footballer of the Year award ceremony, which will take place in Morocco this December. He expressed his pride in the nomination:

“Being nominated for this award is special because it represents my country. I feel proud and know I must keep working hard for such honors to come.”

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Ademola Lookman’s Continued Impact on the Football World:

As we can see, Ademola Lookman’s 2024 has been a year to remember. His exceptional domestic and international performances have cemented his status as one of the most exciting young talents in the world. His football impact extends beyond his performances.

His exciting style of play also has captivated fans and inspired young players around the globe. His ability to consistently deliver in high-pressure situations has earned him the respect of his peers and managers. He has become a role model for aspiring footballers, demonstrating that hard work, dedication, and talent can lead to great success.

As he matures and develops, the football world eagerly awaits the next chapter in his illustrious career. Whether he continues to shine for his current club or moves to a bigger club, one thing is sure: Ademola Lookman is here to stay.

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FAQs

1. What is Ademola Lookman’s nationality? Ademola Lookman is a Nigerian professional footballer.
2. Which clubs have Ademola Lookman played for? Ademola Lookman has played for several clubs, including Charlton Athletic, Everton, RB Leipzig, Leicester City, and Atalanta, his current club.
3. What is Ademola Lookman’s playing position? Ademola Lookman primarily plays as a winger but can also operate as a forward or attacking midfielder.
4. Has Ademola Lookman played for the England national team? Ademola Lookman has represented England at various youth levels and earned caps for the senior national team.
5. What are Ademola Lookman’s strengths as a footballer? Ademola Lookman’s strengths include his exceptional pace, dribbling ability, clinical finishing, and creativity in the final third.