In a recent spectacle, Charlton Athletic’s former player, Ademola Lookman, captured the limelight with his astounding performance in the Europa League Final for Atalanta. Lookman’s remarkable hat-trick not only secured a resounding 3-0 victory but also shattered Bayer Leverkusen’s 51-game unbeaten streak. Since his move to the Italian side in August 2022, the academy graduate has elevated his goal tally to an impressive 30.
During his tenure at the Valley, Lookman made 49 appearances, netting 12 times for his childhood club. His outstanding season in Italy has not only clinched Champions League football through Atalanta’s fourth-placed finish in Serie A but also culminated in winning the Europa League.
Moreover, Lookman has etched his name among football elites by entering an exclusive circle of players. L’Equipe, renowned for its stringent player assessments, bestowed a perfect 10/10 match rating upon Lookman, making him the fifteenth player in the publication’s 78-year history to achieve this feat. Joining the ranks of football luminaries like Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe, Lookman’s performance in a European final stands as a testament to his exceptional talent.
Reflecting on Lookman’s journey, his former grassroots coach, Felix Emanus, expressed immense pride and delight. Emanus described Lookman as a dedicated player with a thirst for improvement, highlighting his journey from humble beginnings to European success.
Lookman’s story epitomizes the virtues of hard work and humility in achieving success on the football field. Despite deviating from the traditional academy route, his stellar performance in a European final has garnered well-deserved attention and accolades. As the summer transfer window approaches, Lookman’s achievements and unique talent are sure to attract significant interest, cementing his status as a standout performer in the world of football.
