The Lookman effect has arrived at Atletico. The striker only needed four days to win over his new fans and capture the world’s attention.
At 28, Ademola arrived in Spain with a goal, an assist and a great understanding of the game, despite starting with only two training sessions under his belt. He didn’t know the language, the system, or his teammates. But talent finds a way.
Plug and play! @BlessingFowowe believes Ademola Lookman is already proving to be a good signing for Atleti#ademolalookman #atleticomadrid #laliga #SportyTV pic.twitter.com/TZCATZLAql
— SportyTV (@SportyTV) February 8, 2026
A different kind of player. With dribbling skills, individual flair, the ability to stretch the team, and who greatly enhanced the left flank . He already knew Ruggeri from their time at Atalanta, but it’s no coincidence that his debut coincided with the Italian and Baena’s best performances for the team. Having players making runs ahead of him enhances the Andalusian’s vision.
And while Atlético’s fans are very passionate, Nigeria has embraced their player wholeheartedly. Because even though Lookman was born in London, his Nigerian roots have always shaped his life.
The announcement of his signing for Atlético garnered 2.6 million views on X, formerly Twitter. And the player’s own message (“proud to wear this badge, happy to score my first goal, and even happier for the victory. Go Atleti!”) is already nearing a million views.
“Nigeria is the African giant, with over 220 million inhabitants , half of them under 20, and an overflowing passion for football. A huge football fanbase, it has generally gravitated towards the Premier League, partly due to the English language. With Lookman’s arrival at Atlético, this new market opens up, creating a connection that will greatly benefit the club and La Liga in general , which already boasts players like Akor Adams, but Lookman’s impact is much greater,” explains Alberto Edjogo, DAZN’s African football specialist.
Lookman raised in a very humble London neighbourhood, , has played in England (Charlton, Everton, and Fulham), Germany (Leipzig), and Italy (Atalanta). And now he ticks Spain off his list of countries to have played in all four major leagues.
“Atlético de Madrid has instantly become one of the most followed and talked-about clubs in Nigeria . Its popularity has skyrocketed. You only have to look at social media. He was Nigeria’s standout player in the Africa Cup of Nations and had already demonstrated his talent at Atalanta, so we expected a smooth transition,” commented Oma Akatugba, Nigerian sports journalist, tells AS.
“I really liked how naturally he moved around, as if he’d been with the team for years. He has the admiration of millions of people . He’s arrived at Atlético at the perfect time; his profile fits the team’s needs. Julián isn’t at his best, and Griezmann is getting on in years.
“And the whole country is behind him . I myself wouldn’t have watched the match against Betis before. I would have watched them in the Champions League, but not in La Liga or the Copa del Rey. Now I would. Because Nigeria has become a bit of an Atleti fan.”
“He’s passionate, a great teammate, with a fantastic personality and admirable pure footballing talent . This debut with Atlético is no surprise. He’s at his ideal age,” says Austin Okon-Akpan of Nigerian television station Channels.
“I knew he was going to keep the flame burning, just like at the Africa Cup of Nations. He’s going to give Atlético fans a memorable experience.”
And in Italy? Because the €35 million that Atlético paid Atalanta is a far cry from the more than €60 million his club was asking for a year earlier.
“He comes from a club where he performed well under Gasperini, who demands the absolute best from his players. And the training sessions with Palladino were also very intense, so he was in great physical shape,” explains Sabrina Ucello, AS correspondent in Italy.
“Perhaps the most surprising thing is that Simeone used him so quickly, but his 79 minutes were commensurate with the player he is. Beyond technique and speed lies his intelligence on the field, which is why he linked up so well with his new teammates. There’s regret about losing him in Serie A, and it’s understandable why Inter tried to sign him.“
“He has electric legs. He’s going to provide the spark that will help raise Atlético’s level . He transmits a lot,” concludes Edjogo.
Lookman is already a sensation. His debut promises great nights. Atlético smile to the rhythm of Ademola.
