Ademola Lookman Biography: Age, Girlfriend, Parents, Net Worth

Ademola Lookman biography – Complete profile of the Nigerian footballer including age, girlfriend Jayda Love, parents, salary at Atalanta, net worth, and historic Europa League hat-trick.

Who is Ademola Lookman?

Ademola Lookman is a Nigerian professional footballer who currently plays as a winger and forward for Italian Serie A giants Atalanta and the Super Eagles of Nigeria. Born on October 20, 1997, in Wandsworth, Greater London, to Nigerian parents, the 27-year-old has emerged as one of African football’s brightest stars and was crowned African Footballer of the Year in 2024.

Lookman’s rise to prominence reached its zenith on May 22, 2024, when he etched his name in football history by scoring a historic hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final. His three goals powered Atalanta to a stunning 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in Dublin, making him the first player to score a hat-trick in a one-legged European final since Pierino Prati in 1969. This extraordinary achievement earned him the Man of the Match award and solidified his status among elite European footballers.

Beyond his club success, Lookman played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s journey to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, where the Super Eagles finished as runners-up. His performances throughout the tournament showcased his exceptional pace, dribbling ability, and eye for goal. In September 2024, he became the first current Atalanta player to receive a Ballon d’Or nomination, finishing 14th in the prestigious rankings.

Quick Facts About Ademola Lookman

Early Life and Academic Excellence

Ademola Lookman was born in Wandsworth, Greater London, and grew up in Peckham, South London. Despite being born in England, he maintained strong connections to his Nigerian heritage, which would later influence his decision to represent Nigeria at international level. His upbringing in a modest household was heavily shaped by Nigerian cultural values instilled by his parents.

Lookman attended St Thomas the Apostle College in Nunhead, where he demonstrated exceptional academic ability. He achieved three A*s and five As in his GCSE examinations, excelling particularly in Mathematics and Science. This academic prowess proved that his talents extended far beyond the football pitch, showcasing a well-rounded intellect alongside his athletic abilities.

His early football development began at Waterloo FC, a local Sunday league team based in the London Borough of Lambeth. Playing in local parks and school leagues, young Ademola’s natural talent for football became evident from an early age. His combination of pace, technical skill, and football intelligence quickly caught the attention of professional scouts.

Youth Career at Charlton Athletic

In 2014, at age 16, Lookman joined Charlton Athletic’s youth academy from Waterloo FC. His goalscoring record for Charlton’s U18 and U21 teams was nothing short of remarkable, leading to his rapid ascent through the club’s academy ranks. The young winger’s performances couldn’t be ignored, and he earned his first-team debut on November 3, 2015.

Lookman scored his first professional goal in a 3-2 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion on December 5, 2015. Just ten days later, he scored both goals in a 2-2 draw with Bolton Wanderers, announcing himself as a genuine talent. In total, he made 45 appearances for Charlton Athletic across all competitions, scoring 10 goals before attracting interest from Premier League clubs.

His performances in the Championship earned him the title of Championship’s Apprentice of the Year, marking him as one of the brightest young prospects in English football. His ability to play anywhere across the forward line, combined with his two-footed capability, made him an attractive prospect for top-flight clubs.

Club Career Journey

Everton (2017)

On January 5, 2017, Lookman signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with Premier League side Everton for an undisclosed fee, reported as an initial £7.5 million potentially rising to £11 million with add-ons. This made him the most expensive League One player at that time.

Lookman made an unforgettable debut just ten days later in a 4-0 victory over Manchester City. Coming on as a 90th-minute substitute, he scored the team’s fourth goal within minutes, announcing his arrival in English football’s top tier. However, despite this dream start, regular first-team opportunities proved elusive under manager Ronald Koeman and later Sam Allardyce.

RB Leipzig (Loan and Permanent)

In January 2018, despite initial plans to loan him to Derby County, Lookman insisted on joining Bundesliga club RB Leipzig until the end of the 2017-18 season. He made an immediate impact, scoring the winning goal on his debut against Borussia Mönchengladbach after coming on as a late substitute.

His impressive loan spell convinced Leipzig to sign him permanently in July 2019 on a five-year contract. During his time in Germany, Lookman developed his game significantly, adapting to the Bundesliga’s tactical demands and improving his defensive contribution.

Fulham and Leicester City (Loans)

Lookman spent the 2020-2021 season on loan at Fulham in the Premier League, where he continued his development. The following season, he joined Leicester City on a season-long loan, making his debut on September 11, 2021, in a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City.

His most memorable moment at Leicester came on December 28, 2021, when he scored the only goal in their 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield. This crucial strike demonstrated his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations against top opposition.

Atalanta (2022-Present)

On August 4, 2022, Lookman joined Serie A club Atalanta on a four-year contract for a reported fee of €15 million. He scored on his debut for the club in a 2-0 Serie A victory over Sampdoria on August 13, immediately justifying the club’s investment.

In January 2023, Lookman enjoyed a purple patch, scoring braces in three consecutive matches: an 8-2 Serie A win over Salernitana, a 5-2 Coppa Italia victory over Spezia, and a 3-3 Serie A draw with Juventus. This remarkable goal-scoring form established him as one of Serie A’s most dangerous attackers.

His crowning moment came on May 22, 2024, in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen in Dublin. Lookman scored his first career hat-trick, leading Atalanta to a historic 3-0 victory and the club’s first-ever European trophy. He became only the seventh Nigerian to win the African Footballer of the Year award in December 2024.

International Career

England Youth Teams

Lookman represented England at various youth levels, from U19 to U21. He was selected for the England U20 team for the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup in South Korea. He scored three crucial goals in the tournament—two against Costa Rica in the last 16 and one against Italy in the semi-finals.

England defeated Venezuela 1-0 in the final, achieving the country’s first victory in a global tournament final since the 1966 World Cup. This triumph showcased Lookman’s ability to perform on the biggest youth football stages.

Switch to Nigeria

In early 2017, Lookman initially turned down an opportunity to switch allegiance to Nigeria after an approach from then-national coach Gernot Rohr. However, he eventually reconsidered his decision and received FIFA clearance to represent Nigeria in 2022.

Lookman made his senior debut for the Super Eagles in March 2022 during a World Cup qualifier against Ghana. He was instrumental in Nigeria’s run to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, where they were narrowly defeated by Ivory Coast. As of 2025, he has made 26 appearances for Nigeria, scoring 6 goals.

Personal Life and Relationship

Girlfriend Jayda Love

Ademola Lookman is currently in a relationship with Jayda Love, an American IT specialist from Dallas, Texas. Jayda graduated in 2021 with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and a minor in Communications from the University of Oklahoma. She currently works as a system specialist at AEG Vision Corporation, having previously worked as an assistant manager at European Wax Center.

Rumours of their relationship first emerged on social media during summer 2024, after photos showed Lookman and Jayda at similar locations following Atalanta’s Europa League triumph. Jayda had allegedly spent the summer break with the footballer and was spotted attending his pre-season training sessions and accompanying him on a boat cruise in Bergamo.

The couple went public with their relationship at the 2024 CAF Awards in Marrakech on December 16, 2024. They walked the red carpet hand in hand, with Lookman flanked by his parents and girlfriend. Despite keeping their romance relatively private, Jayda follows Lookman’s verified Instagram page and also follows his foundation’s account.

Family and Parents

Lookman was born to Nigerian parents whose names remain private. He attended the 2024 CAF Awards accompanied by both his parents, demonstrating the strong family support system behind his success. His parents’ influence has been crucial in maintaining his connection to Nigerian culture despite being raised in England.

Faith and Values

Ademola Lookman openly identifies as a Christian, sharing insights into his faith through interactions with platforms like “Ballers In God,” an Instagram page run by Christian footballers. His faith appears to play a significant role in his personal life and career.

Salary and Net Worth

Ademola Lookman currently earns £41,000 per week at Atalanta, which translates to an annual salary of £2,132,000 for the 2023/24 season. His current contract is set to expire on June 30, 2027, providing long-term security at the Italian club.

Various sources estimate Lookman’s net worth to be between £7 million and £12.7 million. These figures are expected to increase significantly given his ongoing success at Atalanta, his 2024 Ballon d’Or nomination, and his African Footballer of the Year award. His market value currently stands at an impressive €40 million, reflecting his status as one of Europe’s premier attacking talents.

His social media presence is also substantial, with over 829,000 followers on Instagram and more than 217,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter), where he shares glimpses of his personal life and football career.

Playing Style and Attributes

Lookman is primarily a winger who operates effectively on both flanks, though he prefers the left wing where he can cut inside onto his stronger right foot. His playing style is characterized by exceptional pace, close ball control, and dribbling ability that allows him to take on defenders in one-on-one situations.

Standing at 1.74m (5 ft 9 in), Lookman compensates for his relatively modest height with agility, balance, and intelligent movement. He possesses the ability to shoot powerfully and accurately with both feet, making him unpredictable for defenders. His footballing intelligence allows him to find pockets of space and make well-timed runs behind defensive lines.

Career Achievements

Club Honours:

• UEFA Europa League: 2023-24 (Atalanta)
• FIFA U-20 World Cup: 2017 (England)

Individual Honours:

• African Footballer of the Year: 2024
• UEFA Europa League Final Man of the Match: 2024
• Ballon d’Or Nominee: 2024 (14th place)
• Championship Apprentice of the Year: 2016

FAQs About Ademola Lookman

How old is Ademola Lookman?

Ademola Lookman is 27 years old as of 2025, having been born on October 20, 1997.

Who is Ademola Lookman’s girlfriend?

Ademola Lookman is dating Jayda Love, an American IT specialist from Dallas, Texas, who graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2021 with a degree in Public Relations.

What is Ademola Lookman’s salary?

Lookman earns £41,000 per week at Atalanta, which amounts to an annual salary of £2,132,000.

What is Ademola Lookman’s net worth?

His estimated net worth ranges between £7 million and £12.7 million as of 2025.

Why did Ademola Lookman choose Nigeria over England?

Although he represented England at youth levels, Lookman chose to represent Nigeria at senior level due to his Nigerian heritage and strong connection to his parents’ homeland.

What is Ademola Lookman’s biggest career achievement?

His historic hat-trick in the 2024 UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen stands as his greatest achievement, making him the first player to score three goals in a one-legged European final since 1969.