"To the youth of Africa I say: Never give up. Turn pain into power."
Ademola Lookman’s journey to being crowned the African Footballer of the Year is a story of resilience and transformation. Despite facing setbacks early in his career, the Nigerian forward’s recent success offers hope and inspiration for others.
After a high-profile move to the Premier League as a teenager, Lookman struggled to make an impact and spent several years on loan before finding his rebirth in Italy with Atalanta in August 2022.
"Four years ago, my career felt down, but now I’m here as the best player in Africa," the 27-year-old said, accepting his award in Marrakesh. "Don’t let your failures stop your dreams."
Wearing a traditional Nigerian robe, Lookman also shared a special message in Yoruba for his fans back home in West Africa.
BBC Sport Africa takes a closer look at Lookman’s unconventional rise to becoming the sixth Nigerian to be named Africa’s top player, joining legends such as Rashidi Yekini, Nwankwo Kanu, and Victor Osimhen.
Early Beginnings
Born in south London to Nigerian parents, Lookman’s love for football began early. "My first memory is rolling up my socks in the house and kicking them around," he recalled.
After joining Charlton Athletic’s youth setup in 2014, Lookman quickly made his mark. By the time he was 16, he considered passing his school exams a significant achievement due to his Nigerian family’s strong focus on education.
Lookman’s first-team debut for Charlton came in November 2015, and after scoring his first senior goal on his fifth appearance, he attracted the attention of top-tier clubs.
Premier League Struggles and New Horizons
Everton signed the 19-year-old Lookman in January 2017 for £11m, hailing him as a future star. Despite a promising debut, Lookman struggled to secure a regular spot under six different managers during his time at Goodison Park.
He found success away from Everton with England’s Under-20 team, playing a key role in their World Cup victory in 2017. His performances led to a loan spell at RB Leipzig, which turned into a permanent move in 2019 for £22.5m. However, Lookman’s first season in Germany was marred by a lack of playing time and the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following two loan spells back in the Premier League with Fulham and Leicester City, Lookman showed dedication in training, often working tirelessly to improve his shooting skills. Despite his hard work, he struggled to break into the starting lineup.
A Career Reborn at Atalanta
Lookman’s fortunes changed when he moved to Atalanta in 2022, a club known for its attacking play. In the relaxed city of Bergamo, Lookman found the environment and freedom to flourish.
Since joining Atalanta, Lookman has been nothing short of brilliant, with 43 goals and 23 assists in 97 appearances, his most productive period by far. In May 2023, he helped Atalanta secure their first-ever continental trophy, scoring a hat-trick in the Europa League final – the first in 49 years.
Lookman’s resurgence in Italy has earned him recognition as Africa’s best, and his journey from "failure" to football stardom serves as a reminder that persistence and belief in oneself can lead to remarkable achievements.
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