Davido Extends Warm Congratulations to Lookman Following High-Profile Transfer to Spanish Giants
Afrobeats icon Davido has publicly celebrated Nigerian football star Ademola Lookman's significant career move to La Liga powerhouse Atletico Madrid. The heartfelt message comes after Lookman successfully completed his transfer during the January window, marking a pivotal moment in his professional journey after spending over three years in Italian football.
Lookman's Long-Awaited Departure from Atalanta
The talented winger's exit from Atalanta represents the culmination of persistent efforts to secure a transfer to a top-tier European club. Lookman's final months at the Bergamo-based team were characterized by considerable transfer speculation and multiple unsuccessful attempts to depart during previous transfer windows.
Atalanta had previously blocked potential moves to prestigious clubs including Paris Saint-Germain in 2024 and Inter Milan in 2025. The Nigerian international demonstrated clear career ambitions by rejecting offers from other clubs, specifically holding out for a transfer to a Champions League-contending team within Europe's elite leagues.
Davido's Supportive Gesture on Social Media
Davido, who recently experienced professional disappointment at the Grammy Awards, took to social media to express his excitement about Lookman's career advancement. The music superstar engaged with Lookman's Instagram post showcasing the player's first training session with Atletico Madrid, which featured Davido's popular track With You featuring Omah Lay as background music.
The Afrobeats artist responded with enthusiastic emojis in the comments section, demonstrating his support for the footballer's achievement. This interaction highlights the strong connection between Nigeria's entertainment and sports communities, with prominent figures celebrating each other's successes across different professional domains.
Simeone's High Expectations for Nigerian Talent
Atletico Madrid's head coach Diego Simeone has expressed considerable optimism about Lookman's potential contribution to the Spanish club. The Argentine tactician was particularly impressed by how quickly the Nigerian international integrated into the team dynamic during initial training sessions.
"He joined the group very quickly, and you could immediately notice his physical strength, his speed, his ability to change the play, and his power in the final third," Simeone remarked in a statement quoted by Afrik Foot. "We hope he can help us in the way he believes he can, and in the way we expect."
Simeone emphasized the importance of developing strong partnerships within the squad, noting that Lookman's arrival represents an opportunity to combine talented players for collective success. The coach's preferred 4-4-2 formation is expected to maximize Lookman's abilities, particularly given the player's demonstrated versatility during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations where he showcased his capacity to operate effectively behind or alongside a primary striker.
Lookman's Immediate Impact and Previous Manager's Well-Wishes
The timing of Lookman's transfer allowed for immediate inclusion in Atletico Madrid's squad, with the player surprisingly earning a starting position alongside Antoine Griezmann for the Copa de Rey match against Real Betis. This rapid integration speaks volumes about the coaching staff's confidence in his abilities and readiness to contribute immediately.
Former Atalanta manager Raffaele Palladino also extended congratulations to Lookman, maintaining positive relations despite the player's persistent transfer requests. Palladino expressed confidence that both the player and his former club would thrive following this significant career transition.
The widespread celebration of Lookman's transfer among Nigerian celebrities and football enthusiasts reflects the national pride associated with seeing domestic talent succeed at the highest levels of European football. This move represents not just a personal achievement for Lookman, but a symbolic victory for Nigerian football development on the global stage.
