Nigerian international Ademola Lookman celebrates his 29th birthday on Tuesday, October 20, with his place in European football history secured by his remarkable performance in the 2024 UEFA Europa League final.
The forward made history on May 22, 2024, when he scored a hat-trick to inspire Atalanta to a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in Dublin, Ireland. He became the first player to score three goals in a Europa League final, according to UEFA.
Lookman opened the scoring in the 12th minute, finishing from Davide Zappacosta’s delivery to give the Italian side an early advantage.
He doubled Atalanta’s lead in the 26th minute with an impressive individual effort, beating his marker before firing into the net.
The Nigerian completed his hat-trick in the 75th minute after receiving a pass from Gianluca Scamacca, putting the result beyond Leverkusen and sealing Atalanta’s first European trophy.
His performance also ended Leverkusen’s remarkable 51-match unbeaten run in all competitions and earned him the official Player of the Match award.
The achievement marked a major moment in Lookman’s career and established him among the memorable performers in the competition’s history.
Before his success in Italy, the forward had spells in English football with clubs including Everton, Fulham and Leicester City. His progress at Atalanta helped him reach another level, with his performance against Leverkusen becoming a defining moment in his career.
Lookman, who represents Nigeria at international level, has also become an important figure for the Super Eagles, contributing to the country’s campaign at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria finished as runners-up.
As he marks another year, his Europa League final performance remains a significant achievement for Nigerian football, giving supporters a moment to celebrate one of the country’s most memorable individual displays on the European stage.
Sports247 celebrates Ademola Lookman on his 29th birthday and wishes the Super Eagles forward greater success, more memorable performances and many more achievements in the years ahead.
Happy birthday, Lookman.
