Ademola Lookman is on the brink of a major milestone as Atletico Madrid take on Real Sociedad in the 2026 Copa del Rey Final at the Estadio de la Cartuja in Seville.
The Super Eagles forward is chasing his first major domestic trophy in Spain, with Atletico aiming for a record 11th Copa del Rey title, while Real Sociedad seek just their fourth.
Atletico head into the final with mixed momentum. Despite reaching the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League—advancing 3–2 on aggregate against FC Barcelona—their domestic form has been inconsistent, suffering five defeats in their last six matches, including a 2–1 loss to Sevilla FC in La Liga.
Still, Diego Simeone’s side have a chance to secure silverware, having last won the Copa del Rey in the 2012/13 season with a 2–1 victory over Real Madrid.
Atletico’s recent history against Real Sociedad in the competition is less encouraging, with defeats in their last two meetings, including a 2–0 loss in the 2022 round of 16.
For Lookman, however, the spotlight is on his impressive impact since joining Atletico from Atalanta BC in February 2026. The Nigerian forward has quickly become a key figure, particularly in cup competitions.
He was instrumental in Atletico’s semi-final clash against Barcelona, scoring and providing an assist in a dominant 4–0 first-leg win in Madrid. Although Atletico lost the second leg 3–0, they advanced 4–3 on aggregate, with Lookman’s early contributions proving decisive.
A victory in Seville would see Lookman become only the second Nigerian to win the Copa del Rey, following Emmanuel Amuneke, who lifted the trophy with Barcelona in 1997.
Real Sociedad, meanwhile, have no Nigerian players in their current squad, but Umar Sadiq—who joined Valencia CF in January—featured earlier in their cup run, making two appearances and scoring once. Under competition rules, he remains eligible for a winner’s medal if Sociedad triumph.
With Atletico chasing long-awaited domestic success and Sociedad looking to spring a surprise, the final offers Lookman a chance to crown his rapid rise in Spanish football with a landmark trophy.
