Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman has become one of Nigeria’s most exciting football exports, dazzling for both club and country.
Lookman’s story is one of resilience and growth, looking at his humble beginnings in South London to becoming a Europa League winner with Atalanta.
Here’s everything you should know about the Super Eagles and Atalanta star—his background, career journey, parents, salary, and achievements.
Ademola Lookman’s Early life and background
Ademola Olajade Alade Ayoola Lookman was born on 20 October 1997 in Wandsworth, London, England, to Nigerian parents of Yoruba descent.
Proud parents
Mama and Baba Lookman beaming with pride as Ademola takes home Africa Player of the Year at the CAF Awards pic.twitter.com/g0fK5n6WMC
— ESPN Africa (@ESPNAfrica) December 17, 2024
He grew up in a modest home in South London, where his mother worked several jobs to support the family.
Despite being raised in England, Lookman has always been proud of his Nigerian heritage, which later influenced his decision to represent the Super Eagles at the international level.
Standing at around 1.74 m (5 ft 8 in), Lookman began playing football at a young age.
He joined Waterloo FC before moving to Charlton Athletic’s academy in 2014, where his journey to professional football truly began.
Club career
Lookman made his senior debut for Charlton Athletic in November 2015, quickly earning attention for his technical ability and eye for goal.
His rise through the English Championship earned him a transfer to Everton in January 2017.
He later had a loan spell at RB Leipzig in Germany, where his performances impressed enough to secure a permanent move.
Lookman went on to play for Fulham and Leicester City on loan before joining Atalanta BC in Italy on a permanent deal in August 2022.
In the 2023–24 season, he wrote his name into European football history by scoring a hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen.
This performance helped Atalanta lift their first-ever European trophy.
As of 2025, Lookman remains a key figure at Atalanta, although reports have linked him with possible transfers to Tottenham Hotspur and Atlético Madrid.
International career
Born in England but of Nigerian descent, Lookman represented England at youth levels, including the U19, U20, and U21 teams. He was part of the England U20 squad that won the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2017.
However, in 2022, he made the decision to switch allegiance to Nigeria, the country of his parents. Since then, he has become a vital part of the Super Eagles’ attack.
Salary and net worth
While the exact figures differ across sources, Ademola Lookman’s net worth is estimated at between $8 million and $10 million, according to reports from Afrik-Foot and Legit.ng.
At the club level, Lookman earns around €2 million to €2.5 million per year at Atalanta BC, per Capology and SalarySport data, excluding performance bonuses and endorsement deals.
His market value has risen sharply since his move to Italy, fuelled by his standout Europa League performances.
According to Transfermarkt, Lookman’s current market value stands at approximately €40 million, making him one of the most valuable Nigerian footballers playing in Europe.
Where are Lookman’s parent from?
Lookman’s parents are Nigerians from the Yoruba ethnic group in south-western Nigeria, believed to have family roots in Ogun or Lagos State.
Though he was raised in the UK, he maintains a strong connection to his roots and culture. His decision to represent Nigeria was a tribute to his heritage and his parents’ influence.
Is Ademola Lookman married?
As of 2025, Ademola Lookman is not married. However, the Super Eagles and Atalanta star is reportedly in a relationship with Jayda Love, whom he publicly appeared with at the 2024 CAF Awards, where he was crowned African Footballer of the Year.
Awwn pic.twitter.com/Fp9iIEUp59
— Soar Super Eagles (@SSE_NGA) December 16, 2024
Ademola Lookman’s Achievements
- UEFA Europa League Winner – 2023/24 with Atalanta (scored a hat-trick in the final)
- FIFA U-20 World Cup Winner – 2017 with England
- CAF African Footballer of the Year – 2024
- Key player for Nigeria in AFCON and World Cup qualifiers