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Ademola Lookman

Ademola Olajade Alade Aylola Lookman is a Nigerian professional footballer born in England who plays as a forward, winger, or second striker.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Ademola Olajade Alade Aylola Lookman is a Nigerian professional footballer born in England who plays as a forward, winger, or second striker. He has represented Nigeria internationally after appearing for England at youth level, and has played club football in England, Germany, Italy, and Spain.

Early life and youth career

Lookman was born in Wandsworth, London, to Nigerian parents. He came through the youth system at Charlton Athletic before making the move into senior football.

Club career

Lookman has played for clubs in the Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A, and La Liga. His club career has included spells at Everton, RB Leipzig, Fulham, Leicester City, Atalanta, and Atlético Madrid.

International career

Lookman represented England at youth level before switching to Nigeria, where he became a senior international. He has since played a major role for Nigeria in international competitions.

Achievements and recognition

Lookman’s honours include the 2024 African Footballer of the Year award. Reporting on his career has also highlighted his success with Atalanta and his role in Nigeria’s recent international performances.

Key facts

  • Lookman was born in England and is of Nigerian background.
  • He began his senior career with Charlton Athletic before moving to Everton.
  • He has also played for RB Leipzig, Fulham, Leicester City, Atalanta, and Atlético Madrid.
  • He switched his international allegiance from England youth teams to Nigeria.
  • He was named African Footballer of the Year in 2024.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Ademola Lookman?
He is a Nigerian professional footballer born in England who plays mainly as a forward or winger.
What team does Ademola Lookman play for?
As of the latest available sources, he plays for Atlético Madrid.
What national team does Ademola Lookman represent?
He represents Nigeria at senior international level.
Did Ademola Lookman play for England?
He played for England at youth level before switching to Nigeria for senior international football.
Has Ademola Lookman won major individual awards?
Yes. He was named African Footballer of the Year in 2024.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ademola_Lookman
    Supports: Full name, date and place of birth, nationality, playing position, and club move to Atlético Madrid in January 2026.
  2. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/bio/_/id/229645/ademola-lookman
    Supports: Current club, position, birthdate, nationality, and prior clubs.
  3. Premier League — https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/219352/ademola-lookman/overview
    Supports: Nationality, preferred foot, date of birth, and Premier League appearance and goal totals.
  4. BBC Sport — https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cvgrpvg80n4o
    Supports: Background, early life, career trajectory, and Atalanta spell.
  5. Wikipedia — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ademola_Lookman
    Supports: International allegiance change, African Footballer of the Year award, and Atlético Madrid transfer details.
  6. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/43137498/england-born-ademola-lookman-credits-nigeria-switch-success
    Supports: Nigeria switch, award context, and international performance details.
  7. Transfermarkt — https://www.transfermarkt.us/ademola-lookman/profil/spieler/406040
    Supports: Playing positions, height, birthplace, nationality, and club history.
  8. Sky Sports — https://www.skysports.com/football/player/141748/ademola-lookman
    Supports: Birthdate, place of birth, club, and position.