Recently crowned African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman, marked his return to Atalanta’s starting lineup in style, scoring a crucial goal in their thrilling 3-2 win against Empoli on Sunday.
The victory not only extended La Dea’s lead at the Serie A summit to two points but also showcased Lookman’s exceptional form this season. The 27-year-old Nigeria forward, who proudly displayed his CAF award before kick-off at the Gewiss Stadium, struck just before half-time to give Atalanta a 2-1 lead after an early Lorenzo Colombo goal had put Empoli ahead.
“Hungrier than ever. Big win,” Lookman wrote on social media following the match, which saw Atalanta set a club record with their 11th consecutive Serie A victory.
Lookman’s stellar season continues to impress, with nine goals and four assists in 14 league matches. Across all competitions, his tally rises to 12 goals and five assists, making him an indispensable part of Atalanta’s historic campaign.
The win ensures Atalanta will celebrate Christmas as Serie A leaders for the first time in their 116-year history. This milestone follows a remarkable 2023/2024 season where they claimed their first European trophy, courtesy of Lookman’s historic hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen in Dublin.
Lookman’s rise has been meteoric, with his market value soaring from €30 million at the end of 2023 to €55 million, making him Nigeria’s second most valuable player behind Victor Osimhen. His performances in 2024 have been nothing short of sensational, including three goals and two assists that helped Nigeria reach the Africa Cup of Nations final.
His UEFA Europa League heroics and consistent brilliance earned him a 14th-place finish in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings, cementing his status among football’s elite.
Winning the CAF African Footballer of the Year award made Lookman the seventh Nigerian to receive the prestigious honor, joining legends like Rashidi Yekini, Emmanuel Amuneke, Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Ikpeba, and Victor Osimhen.
Lookman’s extraordinary form has sparked interest from Europe’s top clubs, with Liverpool reportedly having a bid rejected. However, Atalanta’s president, Antonio Percassi, remains firm on the club’s stance. “Our plan is not to change anything in the January window,” Percassi stated amid growing transfer speculation.
For now, Lookman’s focus is on helping Atalanta maintain their remarkable run as they chase their first-ever Serie A title. With Champions League qualification already secured and a Europa League triumph in the books, Lookman is leading the charge in what promises to be a season for the history books.
