Atletico Madrid have confirmed that Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman will wear the No. 11 shirt for the 2026/27 season, replacing the No. 22 he wore after joining the club from Atalanta in the January 2026 transfer window. The 28-year-old Nigerian international steps into a jersey with significant historical weight at the Rojiblancos.
Lookman's Impact Since Arrival
Lookman wasted little time establishing himself at the Spanish capital. Across all competitions in the second half of the 2025/26 campaign, the Nigerian forward contributed nine goals, finding the net in La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League, according to Transfermarkt.
His most significant contribution came in the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Barcelona, where his goal helped Atletico secure their place in the semi-finals. That performance underscored his ability to deliver in high-stakes moments, a trait that has quickly made him a key attacking option under coach Diego Simeone.
A Number with History at Atletico
The No. 11 shirt at Atletico Madrid has been worn by some of the club's most celebrated attackers in recent memory. Diego Forlan carried the number across his four seasons with the club between 2007 and 2011, finishing with 96 goals and winning two European Golden Shoes while helping Atletico claim the 2010 UEFA Europa League title.
Antoine Griezmann also wore the shirt during the 2023/24 season before eventually returning to his favoured No. 7. Joao Felix also took on the number during the 2022/23 campaign following a squad reshuffle ahead of his loan spells away from the club.
By inheriting the jersey, the former African Footballer of the Year enters a lineage that Diego Simeone's squad has consistently associated with attacking quality and match-winning ability.
What Comes Next for Lookman
Atletico Madrid are set to open their 2026/27 La Liga season at home against Malaga on August 19 at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium, per La Liga's official website. The fixture will mark Lookman's first competitive outing under his new shirt number and gives the Nigerian forward a platform to build on what was already a productive debut spell in Spain.
Having arrived mid-season and quickly become a key attacking option under Simeone, Lookman heads into a full campaign with greater familiarity of the squad, the system, and the demands of competing across multiple competitions. His ability to deliver in knockout moments, as shown against Barcelona, suggests Atletico's decision to elevate his jersey number reflects the club's confidence in his continued development as a central figure in their plans.
Legit.ng previously reported on Lookman's significant achievement with Atletico Madrid after scoring in their match against Osasuna, a milestone that cements his position within the team and reflects his impressive journey from the Premier League to becoming one of La Liga's rising stars.
