Nigeria international Ademola Lookman etched his name into Spanish football history on Saturday night, matching a long-standing record held by compatriot Finidi George despite Atlético Madrid’s dramatic Copa del Rey final defeat to Real Sociedad.
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The 2026 Copa del Rey final, played at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville, ended 2–2 after extra time before Real Sociedad triumphed 4–3 on penalties to lift the prestigious trophy.
Lookman, who was handed a starting role, made a decisive impact early in the contest.
The forward struck in the 19th minute to cancel out an early opener from Sociedad’s Ander Barrenetxea, bringing Atlético Madrid back into the game after a blistering start from their opponents.
His goal proved historically significant, as it saw him become only the second Nigerian to score in a Copa del Rey final equalling the feat achieved by Finidi George in 1997.
Finidi had scored for Real Betis in their final clash against FC Barcelona, a record that has stood unchallenged for 29 years.
Lookman’s achievement also underlines his growing influence in European football, with the forward delivering a standout campaign in the competition.
He played a key role in Atlético Madrid’s run to the final, including an impressive performance in the semi-finals where he contributed a goal and an assist in a commanding first-leg victory over Barcelona. The final itself was a pulsating encounter.
After Lookman’s equaliser, Real Sociedad regained the lead through Mikel Oyarzabal, who converted from the penalty spot just before halftime.
Atlético responded late in regulation time, with Julián Álvarez netting in the 83rd minute to force extra time.
With neither side able to find a winner in the additional 30 minutes, the match was decided from the spot, where Real Sociedad held their nerve to seal a 4–3 victory.
Despite ending on the losing side, Lookman’s historic strike ensures his performance will be remembered, as he joins Finidi George in an exclusive chapter of Nigerian football history in Spain’s premier domestic cup competition.
