In 2017, England lifted the FIFA U-20 World Cup in South Korea for the first time in history and that triumph was hailed as a new dawn for English football.
That all-conquering squad featured future hopefuls like Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Fikayo Tomori, Dominic Solanke, and Kyle Walker-Peters — all tipped to become household names for the Three Lions.
But in a twist few saw coming, it is Ademola Lookman, the quicksilver winger once of Charlton Athletic, who has emerged as the brightest star of that generation — not for England, but for Nigeria.
Lookman was instrumental in England's historic run eight years ago, contributing three goals in six games and several dazzling displays from the left flank.
However, after the glitter of the U-20 trophy faded, his career began to stagnate. A big move to Everton brought limited opportunities, while spells at RB Leipzig, Fulham, and Leicester City all failed to provide the platform he craved.
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Despite the early promise, a senior England cap never arrived. While some of his 2017 teammates — like Calvert-Lewin, Tomori, and Solanke — got brief nods from Gareth Southgate, Lookman remained on the periphery.
Ademola Lookman: England's loss, Nigeria’s gain
Then came 2022 — the turning point. In a bold double-switch that would alter his destiny, Lookman pledged international allegiance to Nigeria and joined Italian side Atalanta. It was a decision born of belief and necessity — and it changed everything.
Lookman flourished in Bergamo. His blend of pace, trickery, and finishing found a perfect home in Gian Piero Gasperini's fluid attacking system. In his debut season, he netted 15 goals and registered eight assists — enough to earn Atalanta’s Player of the Season award. He repeated the feat the following year.
But 2024 was where his star truly exploded.
In February, he was Nigeria’s joint leading scorer at the Africa Cup of Nations with three goals, powering the Super Eagles to the final. By May, he made continental history by scoring a sensational hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final — the first ever in a single-leg final — to guide Atalanta to their first European title.
That remarkable season was crowned in December when Lookman was named the 2024 CAF African Footballer of the Year, becoming only the sixth Nigerian to win the prestigious honour — after legends like Rashidi Yekini, Emmanuel Amuneke, and Kanu Nwankwo.
While most of his former U-20 teammates have struggled to earn or sustain international careers — Jonjoe Kenny, Lewis Cook, and Josh Onomah still uncapped; Tomori on just five caps — Lookman now boasts 29 appearances and eight goals for Nigeria.
Alongside the unstoppable Victor Osimhen, Lookman is the Super Eagles' talisman, a regular match-winner, and easily one of the most exciting African players in Europe today.
His story is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention. From a Premier League afterthought to an Atalanta legend. From England's forgotten star to African football royalty. Ademola Lookman has outshone every teammate from England’s golden youth generation.
And in doing so, he has not only found his stage — he has owned it.
