Ademola Lookman biography – Meet the Nigerian football star’s age, girlfriend Jayda Love, net worth, Atalanta career, Europa League hat-trick, and 2024 African Player of the Year award.
Who is Ademola Lookman?
Ademola Lookman represents the modern success story of African football excellence on the global stage. Born Ademola Olajade Alade Aylola Lookman on October 20, 1997, in Wandsworth, Greater London, this Nigerian international has evolved from a promising English youth prospect into one of Africa’s most celebrated footballers.
At 27 years old in 2025, Lookman plays as a forward for Serie A giants Atalanta BC, where he has achieved legendary status following his historic hat-trick in the 2024 UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen. This remarkable performance made him the first player since 1969 to score three goals in a one-legged European final, cementing his place in football history.
His journey from South London grassroots football through Charlton Athletic, Everton, RB Leipzig, Fulham, and Leicester City before finding his home at Atalanta demonstrates exceptional perseverance and talent. In December 2024, Lookman was crowned CAF African Player of the Year and became the first Atalanta player ever nominated for the Ballon d’Or, finishing 14th in the world rankings.
Quick Facts About Ademola Lookman
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ademola Olajade Alade Aylola Lookman |
| Date of Birth | October 20, 1997 |
| Age (2025) | 27 years old |
| Place of Birth | Wandsworth, London, England |
| Nationality | Nigerian (also holds British citizenship) |
| State of Origin | Lagos State, Nigeria |
| Height | 1.74m (5ft 9in) |
| Weight | 78 kg |
| Position | Forward/Winger |
| Current Club | Atalanta BC |
| Jersey Number | 11 |
| Girlfriend | Jayda Love |
| Weekly Salary | £41,000 |
| Annual Salary | £2,132,000 |
| Market Value | €40 million (2025) |
| Net Worth | $7-12.7 million |
Early Life and Educational Background
Ademola Lookman was born to Nigerian parents in Wandsworth, Greater London, on October 20, 1997. His parents hailed from Lagos State, Nigeria, specifically of Yoruba ethnic heritage, which influenced his full traditional name containing multiple Yoruba elements—Olajade, Alade, and Aylola.
Growing up in South London, young Ademola balanced academic excellence with sporting ambition. He attended St Thomas the Apostle College in Nunhead, where he demonstrated exceptional intellectual capabilities, achieving three A*s and five As in his GCSE examinations. This academic achievement highlighted his discipline and dedication beyond the football pitch.
His football journey began at Waterloo FC, a youth football club based in the London Borough of Lambeth. Playing at grassroots level, Lookman’s natural talent, blistering pace, and technical ability quickly became evident to scouts from professional academies monitoring youth football in the capital.
The multicultural environment of South London exposed Lookman to diverse influences while maintaining strong connections to his Nigerian heritage through his family. This dual identity would later play a significant role in his international career decisions.
Professional Career Journey
Charlton Athletic (2014-2017)
Lookman’s professional journey began in 2014 when Charlton Athletic signed him from Waterloo FC to join their academy. His exceptional goalscoring record with Charlton’s U18 and U21 teams led to rapid promotion through the academy ranks, demonstrating maturity beyond his years.
He made his first-team debut on November 3, 2015, at just 18 years old. His first goal came in a 3-2 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion on December 5, 2015, followed by a brace in a 2-2 draw with Bolton Wanderers ten days later. These early performances established him as one of England’s brightest young talents.
During his time with Charlton’s first team, Lookman made 45 appearances and scored 10 league goals, earning recognition as the Championship’s Apprentice of the Year. His performances attracted attention from Premier League clubs, setting the stage for his breakthrough move.
Everton (2017-2019)
On January 5, 2017, Lookman signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with Everton for an initial £7.5 million, potentially rising to £11 million with add-ons—a record fee for a League One player at the time. Manager Ronald Koeman praised him as “a big talent with a big future in the game.”
Lookman announced his arrival dramatically, scoring on his debut just ten days later. Coming on as a 90th-minute substitute against Manchester City in a 4-0 victory, he found the net within minutes, burying a crisp low shot through the goalkeeper’s legs to complete the scoring.
Despite this promising start, consistent first-team opportunities proved elusive under different managers. In January 2018, despite manager Sam Allardyce’s initial reluctance, Lookman secured a loan move to RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga, preferring this option over Championship side Derby County.
RB Leipzig (2018-2020)
At RB Leipzig, Lookman flourished immediately, scoring the winning goal on his debut against Borussia Mönchengladbach. His performances during the loan spell impressed the German club sufficiently that they signed him permanently in July 2019 on a five-year contract.
The Bundesliga experience proved transformative for Lookman’s development. German football’s emphasis on tactical discipline, pressing systems, and technical excellence aligned perfectly with his natural abilities, elevating his game significantly.
Loan Spells at Fulham and Leicester City
Between 2020 and 2022, Lookman spent loan periods at Fulham and Leicester City, gaining invaluable Premier League experience. At Leicester, he scored a memorable strike against Liverpool in December 2021, demonstrating his growing maturity and ability to perform in high-pressure situations against elite opposition.
Atalanta BC (2022-Present)
Lookman’s career reached new heights when he joined Atalanta BC on August 4, 2022, for approximately €15 million on a four-year contract. He scored on his debut in a 2-0 Serie A victory over Sampdoria on August 13, immediately endearing himself to the passionate Atalanta supporters.
His 2022-23 season showcased remarkable consistency, including scoring braces in three consecutive matches: an 8-2 Serie A win over Salernitana, a 5-2 Coppa Italia victory against Spezia, and a 3-3 Serie A draw with Juventus.
The pinnacle came on May 22, 2024, at the Dublin Arena in the UEFA Europa League final. Lookman delivered a performance for the ages, scoring a perfect hat-trick as Atalanta defeated the previously unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen 3-0. This historic achievement made him the first player since Pierino Prati in 1969 to score a hat-trick in a one-legged European final, bringing Atalanta their first-ever European trophy.
International Career
England Youth Teams
Lookman initially represented England at various youth levels. He featured for England U19, U20, and U21 teams, showcasing his versatility and talent on the international stage.
His crowning achievement with England came at the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where he played a pivotal role. He scored three goals during the tournament—two against Costa Rica in the last 16 and one against Italy in the semi-finals. England defeated Venezuela 1-0 in the final, achieving the country’s first victory in a global tournament final since the 1966 World Cup.
Despite these successes and an initial rejection of Nigeria’s approach in early 2017, Lookman ultimately chose to represent his ancestral homeland.
Switch to Nigeria
In 2022, Lookman received FIFA clearance to switch international allegiance to Nigeria. He made his Super Eagles debut in March 2022 during a World Cup qualifier against Ghana, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his international career.
His impact for Nigeria was immediate and substantial. At the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Lookman played a key role as Nigeria reached the final, narrowly losing to Ivory Coast. His performances throughout the tournament earned widespread recognition across the continent.
In December 2024, Lookman’s stellar year was recognized when he was crowned CAF African Player of the Year at the ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco. He became the sixth Nigerian to win this prestigious award, joining legends like Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, and Victor Ikpeba.
Personal Life and Relationship with Jayda Love
Ademola Lookman maintains a relatively private personal life, carefully separating his public football persona from intimate relationships. However, in December 2024, he publicly confirmed his relationship with Jayda Love at the CAF Awards ceremony.
Jayda Love is an American IT specialist from Oklahoma, approximately the same age as Lookman (27 years old). She graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2021 with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and a minor in Communications. Currently based in Dallas, Texas, she works as a systems specialist at AEG Vision Corporation, having previously served as assistant manager at European Wax Center.
Rumors of their relationship first surfaced in summer 2024 when Jayda reportedly vacationed with Lookman following Atalanta’s Europa League triumph. She was spotted attending his pre-season training sessions in Bergamo and was photographed at locations matching those in Lookman’s social media posts.
Their relationship was officially confirmed at the 2024 CAF Awards when they walked the red carpet together. Lookman appeared in traditional Yoruba attire while Jayda wore an elegant dress. The couple shared a kiss during the ceremony, delighting fans who witnessed this rare glimpse into Lookman’s personal life.
Despite her relationship with a high-profile athlete, Jayda maintains a low profile on social media with private accounts on Instagram and TikTok. She follows Lookman’s verified Instagram account and supports his charitable foundation, demonstrating her commitment to his off-field endeavors.
Net Worth, Salary and Market Value
Ademola Lookman’s financial success reflects his rising status in world football. According to various sources, his estimated net worth ranges between $7 million and $12.7 million as of 2025, accumulated through lucrative contracts, endorsements, and performance bonuses.
His current contract with Atalanta BC pays him approximately £41,000 per week, translating to an annual salary of £2,132,000 for the 2023/24 season. These figures represent significant growth from his early career earnings at Charlton Athletic and Everton.
Lookman’s market value has soared following his Europa League heroics and consistent Serie A performances. Transfermarkt currently values him at €40 million (approximately $44 million), making him one of Atalanta’s most valuable assets. Top European clubs including Paris Saint-Germain and several Premier League sides have reportedly expressed interest in securing his services.
His endorsement portfolio includes a deal with Nike, which supplies his football boots and training gear. As his profile continues rising, particularly following his CAF Player of the Year award and Ballon d’Or nomination, additional endorsement opportunities are expected to significantly boost his earnings.
Beyond football earnings, Lookman has demonstrated business acumen by establishing his own charitable foundation, which focuses on providing opportunities for underprivileged youth in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Awards and Recognition
Lookman’s trophy cabinet and individual honors reflect his exceptional talent:
- CAF African Player of the Year (2024)
- UEFA Europa League Winner (2023-24) with Atalanta
- FIFA U-20 World Cup Winner (2017) with England
- Championship Apprentice of the Year during his Charlton days
- Ballon d’Or Nominee (2024) – First Atalanta player to receive this honor
- Serie A Team of the Season nominations
- Multiple Player of the Month awards at Atalanta
His historic hat-trick in the Europa League final stands as one of the defining moments in modern European football, earning him permanent legendary status at Atalanta and worldwide recognition.
Playing Style and Strengths
Lookman possesses electric pace, exceptional dribbling ability, and intelligent positional awareness. Primarily deployed as a winger or second striker, his versatility allows him to operate across the forward line effectively.
His two-footed ability makes him unpredictable for defenders, capable of cutting inside from either flank to shoot or create chances. His low center of gravity provides excellent balance and agility, enabling quick directional changes that leave opponents trailing.
Beyond technical skills, Lookman displays remarkable composure in high-pressure situations, evidenced by his Europa League final performance. His decision-making in the final third has matured significantly since his early Premier League days.
FAQs About Ademola Lookman
1. How old is Ademola Lookman?
Ademola Lookman is 27 years old as of 2025, born on October 20, 1997.
2. Who is Ademola Lookman’s girlfriend?
Ademola Lookman is dating Jayda Love, an American IT specialist from Dallas, Texas, who graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Public Relations.
3. What is Ademola Lookman’s salary at Atalanta?
Lookman earns £41,000 per week at Atalanta BC, which equals an annual salary of approximately £2,132,000.
4. Why did Lookman choose Nigeria over England?
Despite playing for England youth teams and winning the U-20 World Cup, Lookman chose to represent Nigeria due to his strong connection to his ancestral heritage and desire to contribute to African football.
5. What was Lookman’s historic achievement in the Europa League?
On May 22, 2024, Lookman scored a hat-trick in the Europa League final, leading Atalanta to a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen, becoming the first player since 1969 to score three goals in a one-legged European final.
6. What is Ademola Lookman’s net worth?
Ademola Lookman’s estimated net worth ranges between $7 million and $12.7 million as of 2025, derived from his football contracts, bonuses, and endorsement deals.