Ademola Lookman: What has impressed Super Eagles star most at Atletico Madrid

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has reflected on his time at Spanish giants Atletico Madrid as they continue preparations for the 2026-27 season, Soccernet.ng reports.

Lookman completed a €35 million move to Los Rojiblancos during the winter transfer window after leaving Atalanta, where he had helped the Italian club win their first ever European trophy in 2024.

The Nigerian forward played a starring role in that success, scoring a stunning hat trick in the final as Atalanta defeated Bayer Leverkusen to win the 2024 Europa League.

Lookman hit the ground running after arriving at Atletico, scoring on his debut in a 5-0 Copa del Rey quarterfinal win over Real Betis.

He went on to finish the season with nine goals and four assists across all competitions for Atletico, including a goal in the Copa del Rey final defeat to Real Sociedad. Lookman scored before being forced off with an injury later in the match.

The Super Eagles star has also carried his good form into pre-season, already finding the net in Atletico's win over Getafe as he prepares for his first full season with the club.

Ademola Lookman reflects on life at Atletico Madrid

Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman is now preparing for his first full season at Atletico Madrid and will be hoping to build on the impact he made during his first six months at the club.

The 28-year-old could also be handed an even bigger role following the departure of Antoine Griezmann, who has joined Orlando City in Major League Soccer.

Reflecting on his experience so far, Lookman revealed that Atletico's supporters have been the biggest standout for him, particularly because of the level of passion and support they show the club.

“I haven't seen anything like it before, and I think that's what makes Atlético special”, the Nigerian star said via Estadio Deportivo.

“In each game there are about 65,000 or 70,000 people there, sharing the atmosphere and the people and the energy behind the stadium is incredible. It was great because we travelled the same day and I think we were received by many fans in Seville. I was surprised by the number of people waiting for us at the airport.

“It was a revelation to me in terms of support, the people who support us and how much it means to them. That gave me a lot of energy and desire, because they travelled from Madrid just to come and support us in Seville”, he continued.

Lookman also reflected on his debut and his adaptation to life at the club since making the move from Atalanta.

The Nigerian finished as Atletico's second highest player for goal contributions since his arrival last season, behind Julian Alvarez, and will be hoping to have an even greater influence in the new campaign.

“I had a good start in the six months that I have played with Atlético. I've been here and I've already settled in the group and in the staff. I am also very well settled in the city of Madrid.”

“I can't choose just one, but being close to these titles is important to us because it shows where we are and the level of the team.”

Lookman then revealed that Atletico captain Koke is the player who has impressed him the most since his arrival at the club. The Spanish midfielder has spent his entire professional career with Atletico and is preparing for another season as one of the club's most experienced players.

The former Atalanta star was full of praise for the 34-year-old, particularly for his technical ability, passing and decision-making.

“It has a quality that is… I don't know, indescribable. His touch, his way of passing, his decision-making… is special.

“He's a guy who can run for, I don't know, two or three hours. But the quality he has, you can tell he is a real midfielder. He is a player from head to toe.”

Lookman will now be hoping to make an instant impact as the 2026-27 La Liga season gets underway this weekend. Atletico Madrid, however, will not begin their league campaign until August 19, when they face Malaga in their season opener.

Before then, Diego Simeone's side will face French club Olympique Marseille in their final pre-season friendly on Friday in their final game before the season starts.