Ademola Lookman Becomes Only Second Nigerian to Play for Atlético Madrid
Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman has made history after completing his move to Spanish La Liga side Atlético Madrid from Atalanta.
With the transfer now completed, Lookman becomes only the second Nigerian player to feature for Atlético Madrid’s men’s team. The 28-year-old forward joins the Spanish giants following a €40 million deal, marking a major milestone in his career.
Atlético Madrid have had very limited Nigerian representation in their history. The first Nigerian to play for the club was Abass Lawal, who featured for Atlético B between 1997 and 2000 before going on to make appearances for the first team during the 2000–01 season.
Since Lawal’s time at the club, no other Nigerian had played for Atlético Madrid’s senior team until Lookman’s arrival. His signing therefore places him in a very exclusive group and adds another chapter to the history of Nigerian footballers in Europe.
Lookman’s move highlights the continued rise of Nigerian talents at the highest level of European football. Having already built a strong reputation in Italy, he now carries the hopes of continuing that Nigerian legacy at Atlético Madrid.
