History of Ademola Lookman in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 22, 2026

Ademola Lookman is a professional footballer who plays as a winger or second striker. He currently plays for La Liga club Atlético Madrid. Though born in England, Lookman represents the Nigeria national team in international football. He is known for his pace, dribbling skills, and ability to score goals.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1966: England's World Cup Victory

In 2017, England's U-20 World Cup was their first victory in the final of a global tournament since the 1966 World Cup.

1969: Last hat-trick in a European Final

On 22 May 2024, Ademola Lookman became the first player to score a hat-trick in a one-legged Men's European final since Pierino Prati in 1969.

October 1997: Ademola Lookman Born

In October 1997, Ademola Lookman was born in Wandsworth, Greater London, to Nigerian parents.

Others born on this day/year

2014: Joined Charlton Athletic Academy

In 2014, Ademola Lookman joined Charlton Athletic's academy after signing from Waterloo.

November 2015: First-team debut for Charlton Athletic

On 3 November 2015, Ademola Lookman made his first-team debut for Charlton Athletic.

December 2015: First Goal for Charlton Athletic

In December 2015, Ademola Lookman scored his first goal for Charlton Athletic in a 3–2 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion on 5 December 2015, and then followed that up with both Charlton's goals in a 2–2 draw with Bolton Wanderers ten days later.

2015: Senior Debut

In 2015, Ademola Lookman made his senior debut, playing as a forward for Charlton Athletic of the Championship.

January 2017: Lookman signed for Everton

In January 2017, Ademola Lookman signed for Everton, playing mainly as a winger.

September 2017: England U-21 Debut

In September 2017, Ademola Lookman received his first call-up for the England under-21s and made his debut in a European Championship qualifier against the Netherlands under-21s.

2017: FIFA U-20 World Cup

In 2017, Ademola Lookman was selected in the England under-20 team for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, scoring three goals and winning the tournament.

2017: Manager Stated Lookman would not be leaving on loan

In January 2017, manager Sam Allardyce stated that Lookman would not be leaving on loan.

2017: Turned down Nigeria Offer

In early 2017, Ademola Lookman turned down the opportunity to switch allegiance to Nigeria after an approach from the national coach, Gernot Rohr.

January 2018: Loan Move to RB Leipzig

In January 2018, Ademola Lookman joined Bundesliga club RB Leipzig on loan until the end of the 2017–18 season, despite initial plans for a loan move to Derby County. Lookman scored the winning goal in his first game with Leipzig.

September 2018: Rejected Nigeria's Approaches Again

In September 2018, Ademola Lookman rejected Nigeria's approaches for a third time after England senior manager Gareth Southgate convinced him that he was part of his plans.

July 2019: Returned to RB Leipzig

On 25 July 2019, Ademola Lookman returned to RB Leipzig on a five-year contract.

January 2020: NFF announced Lookman Switching Allegiance

In January 2020, the Nigeria Football Federation announced that Lookman would be switching his international allegiance to Nigeria, but Lookman stated he had not changed his mind on wanting to represent England.

September 2020: Joined Fulham on Loan

On 30 September 2020, Ademola Lookman joined Premier League side Fulham on a season-long loan.

August 2021: Joined Leicester City on Loan

On 31 August 2021, Ademola Lookman joined Leicester City on a season-long loan.

September 2021: Leicester City Debut

On 11 September 2021, Ademola Lookman made his Leicester debut as a substitute during a 1–0 defeat to Manchester City.

December 2021: Scored Winning Goal Against Liverpool

On 28 December 2021, Ademola Lookman scored the only goal in Leicester City's 1–0 win over Liverpool.

February 2022: FIFA approved Lookman's request

On 10 February 2022, FIFA approved Ademola Lookman's request to represent the Nigerian national team.

March 2022: Debut for Nigeria

On 25 March 2022, Ademola Lookman made his debut for Nigeria in their scoreless draw with Ghana.

August 2022: Joined Atalanta

On 4 August 2022, Ademola Lookman joined Serie A club Atalanta on a four-year contract and scored on his debut on 13 August.

2022: Joined Atalanta

In 2022, Ademola Lookman joined Italian club Atalanta.

2022: Senior Debut for Nigeria

In 2022, Ademola Lookman made his senior debut for Nigeria.

January 2023: Scored braces in three consecutive matches

In January 2023, Ademola Lookman scored braces in three consecutive matches.

2023: Africa Cup of Nations Build-up

In 2023, Ademola Lookman participated in Nigeria's build-up to the Africa Cup of Nations final.

May 2024: Europa League Hat-trick

On 22 May 2024, Ademola Lookman scored his first career hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, winning the trophy for Atalanta.

September 2024: Ballon d'Or Nomination

On 4 September 2024, Ademola Lookman received a nomination for the Ballon d'Or.

2024: Won UEFA Europa League

In 2024, Ademola Lookman won the UEFA Europa League with Atalanta, scoring a hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen and was named the African Footballer of the Year.

December 2025: Africa Cup of Nations

In December 2025, Ademola Lookman was called up to the Nigeria squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. On 23 December, he scored the winning goal for Nigeria in their opening match, securing a 2–1 victory against Tanzania. On 27 December, he provided two assists and scored the winning goal to secure a 3–2 victory over Tunisia in the second group game. He continued his impressive form scoring the opener and adding a hat-trick of assists in the round of 16 against Mozambique, to power the Super Eagles to a 4-0 victory.

2025: Third place in Africa Cup of Nations

In 2025, Ademola Lookman was part of the squad that finished third place in the Africa Cup of Nations.

February 2026: Transferred to Atlético Madrid

On 1 February 2026, Atlético Madrid announced the transfer of Ademola Lookman. He made his debut four days later, scoring a goal in a 5–0 win over Real Betis in the Copa del Rey. It was the 100th goal of his career.