Nigerian international and Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman has made an immediate and historic impact at his new club, Atletico Madrid, breaking a significant record that had stood for over a decade. The 28-year-old forward, who recently completed a transfer from Italian side Atalanta, achieved this remarkable feat during his competitive debut for the Spanish giants.
Lookman's Record-Breaking Performance Against Real Betis
In a commanding Copa del Rey quarterfinal clash on Thursday, February 5, 2026, Lookman played a pivotal role in Atletico Madrid's emphatic 5-0 victory over Real Betis at the Estadio de la Cartuja in Sevilla. Manager Diego Simeone showed immense confidence in the Nigerian star by including him in the starting lineup just days after his arrival at the club.
The match saw Atletico dominate from the outset, with David Hancko opening the scoring in the 12th minute. Giuliano Simeone extended the lead to 2-0 in the 30th minute, setting the stage for Lookman's memorable contribution. In the 37th minute, the Super Eagles winger showcased his skill by beating two defenders and calmly slotting the ball past goalkeeper Adrian to make it 3-0.
Lookman wasn't finished there. Two minutes after the hour mark, he provided a crucial assist for French legend Antoine Griezmann, who struck the fourth goal. Substitute Thiago Almada completed the rout in the 83rd minute, sealing a comprehensive victory that highlighted Lookman's seamless integration into the team.
The Historic Record Broken by Lookman
According to statistics from Opta Jose, Ademola Lookman achieved something no Atletico Madrid player had accomplished since the 2013/14 season. He became the first debutant for the club in over twelve years to both score and provide an assist in a competitive match. This unique achievement underscores the immediate impact the Nigerian international has made at his new club.
This record-breaking performance adds to Lookman's growing list of accomplishments. Before joining Atletico Madrid, he made history by becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in a UEFA Europa League final, leading Atalanta to a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen. Additionally, at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Lookman set another unique record by becoming the first player to register six goals and five assists across two AFCON tournaments.
Recognition from Manager and Peers
Lookman's outstanding debut earned praise from multiple quarters. Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone expressed his admiration for the winger's performance, while even the opposition team, Real Betis, acknowledged his contribution. Atalanta president Antonio Percassi also commended his former player's successful transition to Spanish football.
Nigerian sports journalist Kehinde Lamidi provided insight into what makes Lookman special. In an exclusive interview, Lamidi emphasized that Lookman's humility both on and off the pitch continues to open doors throughout his career. He described Lookman as a unique player whose gradual climb and distinctive style clearly distinguish him from other players in the current Super Eagles squad.
The celebration of Lookman's move extended beyond the football world. Afrobeats superstar Davido sent a personal message to the player after his transfer to Atletico Madrid was confirmed. Lookman himself shared photos from his first training session in Madrid on Instagram, accompanied by Davido's hit single "With You" featuring Omah Lay, highlighting the cultural connections that follow Nigerian athletes abroad.
Ademola Lookman's record-breaking debut at Atletico Madrid represents another milestone in what has been a remarkable career trajectory. From his time at Everton to his successful spell at Atalanta, and now his instant impact in Spain, the Super Eagles star continues to demonstrate why he's considered one of Africa's premier football talents. His ability to make history wherever he goes suggests that Nigerian football fans have much more to celebrate in the coming seasons.
