Ademola Lookman Makes Instant Impact at Atletico Madrid
Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman has made a sensational start to his career at Atletico Madrid, breaking a unique club record that had stood for twelve years. The Nigerian international achieved this remarkable feat just three days after completing his transfer from Italian side Atalanta.
Historic Debut Performance
Lookman marked his debut for Los Rojiblancos in spectacular fashion during their Copa del Rey quarter-final clash against Real Betis on Thursday, February 5. The 28-year-old played a pivotal role in Atletico's dominant 5-0 victory at the Estadio de la Cartuja in Sevilla, registering both a goal and an assist to announce his arrival at the Spanish giants.
According to statistics from Opta Jose, Lookman became the first Atletico Madrid debutant since the 2013/14 season to both score and provide an assist in a competitive match. This achievement highlights the immediate impact the Nigerian star has made at his new club.
Match Highlights and Manager Praise
Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone showed immediate confidence in his new signing by handing Lookman a place in the starting lineup. The visitors opened the scoring in the 12th minute through David Hancko before doubling their advantage in the 30th minute with a goal from Giuliano Simeone.
Lookman made it 3-0 in the 37th minute with a brilliant individual effort, beating two defenders before calmly slotting the ball past goalkeeper Adrian. Two minutes after the hour mark, the Nigerian international turned provider, assisting France legend Antoine Griezmann for Atletico's fourth goal. Substitute Thiago Almada completed the emphatic victory in the 83rd minute.
Simeone was full of praise for his new signing's performance, while even opposition team officials acknowledged Lookman's quality. Atalanta president Antonio Percassi commented on the significant absence of the player who had served his former club so well.
Continuing Record-Breaking Form
This latest achievement adds to Lookman's growing reputation as a record-breaker. Before joining Atletico Madrid, the Nigerian forward 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.
At the continental level, Lookman set another unique record during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, becoming the first player to register six goals and five assists across two AFCON tournaments. His consistent performances earned him the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award, cementing his status as one of Africa's premier football talents.
What Sets Lookman Apart
Nigerian sports journalist Kehinde Lamidi has highlighted what distinguishes Lookman from other players in the current Super Eagles squad. In an exclusive interview, Lamidi emphasized that Lookman's humility both on and off the pitch has been instrumental in his career progression.
"Ademola Lookman is a unique player who has continued to climb the ladder gradually over the years," Lamidi explained. "His humility, both on and off the pitch, is what sets him apart from the rest."
The winger's growing profile has even attracted attention from Nigeria's entertainment industry, with Afrobeats superstar Davido sending a congratulatory message after Lookman completed his transfer to Atletico Madrid. The football star shared photos from his first training session in Madrid on Instagram, accompanied by Davido's hit single With You featuring Omah Lay.
Lookman's journey to Spanish football includes three and a half successful seasons with Atalanta following his time at Everton in the English Premier League. His seamless transition to La Liga and immediate impact suggest that Nigerian football fans can expect more record-breaking performances from their star winger in the coming seasons.
