Nigerian Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has cemented his place in Atalanta folklore by clinching both the club’s Player of the Season award and legendary status with a stunning performance in the Europa League final.
Lookman’s dazzling displays throughout the 2023/24 season earned him the prestigious “Player of the Season” title for the Italian club. The Nigerian attacker’s impact transcended domestic accolades, however, as he etched his name into the history books with a phenomenal performance on the biggest stage.
In a Europa League final for the ages, Atalanta faced off against a seemingly invincible Bayer Leverkusen side – undefeated in 51 matches across all competitions. Lookman, unfazed by the daunting task, stole the show with a remarkable hat-trick. His clinical finishing not only secured victory for Atalanta but also ended their 61-year trophy drought.
The 26-year-old’s heroics didn’t just silence the Leverkusen juggernaut; they propelled him into the record books. Lookman became only the fifth player ever to score three goals in a UEFA final, a feat not achieved since 1975.
Lookman’s sensational season has not only solidified his position as a key figure for Atalanta but also cemented his reputation as a rising star in European football. The future looks incredibly bright for the Nigerian forward, and Atalanta fans can expect many more thrilling performances in the years to come.
