Nigerian and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman has revealed his admiration for three of football’s greatest magicians, Soccernet.ng reports.
Lookman, who is enjoying the best period of his career, has named former Real Madrid stars Robinho and Cristiano Ronaldo as well as Barcelona legend Lionel Messi as his idols while growing up.
“When I was little I admired Robinho, a different player,” Lookman told France Football as per TMW.
“And then of course Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. My football is instinctive. If I think about it too much I freeze.”
After an excellent year when he helped Nigeria reach the final of the Africa Cup of Nations and guided Atalanta to win the Europa League, Lookman was nominated for the Ballon d’Or.
The 26-year-old attacker admits it makes him feel special to be considered among the 30 best players on the planet.
“It’s crazy,” Lookman reveals. “And being the only African on the list is even more special. I’m proud of it. It’s an honour, knowing where I come from.”
Back in May, Lookman became the first player in history to net three goals in the final of a European competition as his hat-trick fired Atalanta past Bayer Leverkusen.
It was the first time Atalanta would win the Europa League, elevating Lookman into a club legend.
The former RB Leipzig star described how he felt winning the competition with the Italian club.
“The feeling of winning and having the gold around your neck is an incomparable feeling,” he added.
“And writing history in a small city like Bergamo is something extraordinary. I was very struck by the fact that Gasperini told me a few days later that I had become part of football history. It’s true, it’s an honour, but I worked hard to get here.”
Following his exploits for club and country, Lookman is also the leading contender for the Africa Footballer of the Year award.
He is already the second best player in Nigeria after Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface comes 3rd