Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman is set to achieve two significant career milestones when Atalanta takes on Udinese in a Serie A clash on Saturday, January 11.
The match, scheduled for a 3 pm kickoff at the Bluenergy Stadium in Udine, marks the 20th matchday of the season.
Milestone 1: 50 Goals in Europe’s Elite Leagues
Lookman is just one goal away from hitting the remarkable 50-goal mark across Europe’s top five leagues. The 27-year-old has scored 11 goals in the Premier League, 5 in the Bundesliga, and 33 in Serie A, tallying an impressive 49 strikes in his career so far.
Milestone 2: Serie A Scoring Record
Even more notable, his next goal will make him the first player to score double-digit goals in Serie A for three consecutive seasons. Lookman has already registered 13 goals in the 2022/23 season, 11 in the 2023/24 campaign, and 9 so far this term.
Opta confirmed this feat in a statement shared by Calcio Atalanta:
“Ademola Lookman… could become the first player to reach double figures for goals in each of the last three Serie A seasons. Furthermore, the next one will be the 50th goal for the Nigerian striker in the top five European leagues.”
Lookman consistency puts him ahead of renowned Serie A forwards like Lautaro Martinez of Inter Milan and Napoli’s Romelu Lukaku, who managed similar double-digit streaks in the past two seasons but currently sit on seven and six league goals, respectively.
A Year of Accolades
Lookman’s stellar performances in 2024 made headlines across Europe. He ended the year as Serie A’s most productive player, contributing 16 goals and 11 assists in all competitions.
His exceptional form earned him the prestigious CAF Africa Player of the Year award in December, adding another accolade to his growing list of achievements.
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Additionally, he was the only Nigerian nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with football’s elite. While Manchester City’s Rodri ultimately claimed the award, Lookman’s nomination was a testament to his meteoric rise.
“This is not just for me but for everybody back home”
— Ademola Lookman pic.twitter.com/KAk15hyAyg
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) December 17, 2024
Lookman’s form will be crucial as Atalanta looks to secure a vital win against Udinese. With his eyes set on achieving these milestones, the Nigerian forward is poised to make history and further cement his reputation as one of Europe’s most consistent scorers.
