Ademola Lookman: African Player of the Year 2024, $25M in Career Earnings and Rising

Ademola Lookman from Humble Beginnings at Waterloo FC To African Stardom Via Atlanta USA

Ademola Lookman African Player of the Year 2024

Many Nigerians first heard about Ademola Lookman when he played for the nation in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Now the whole country and every football fan in Africa know the 27  year old striker after he won African Player of the Year 2024 on December 16.  His rise to stardom is a story of grit, talent, and strategic career moves. From humble beginnings to becoming one of the highest-paid African footballers, Lookman’s journey offers insights into the modern football economy. This profile examines his background, club career, net worth, and likely earnings trajectory.

Early Life and Background

Ademola Lookman was born on October 20, 1997, in Wandsworth, London, to Nigerian parents. Growing up in a football-loving household, he showcased a passion for the game from a young age. His footballing skills were honed on the streets and local pitches, where his quick footwork and ability to dribble past defenders became evident. Lookman’s break into professional football came through the youth ranks of Charlton Athletic, where his potential quickly caught the attention of bigger clubs.

Lookman’s journey into football was unconventional but effective. He did not come through the conventional academy system of top English clubs. Instead, he was discovered playing for Waterloo FC, a local community team in London. His performances for Waterloo FC earned him a spot at Charlton Athletic’s academy in 2014. His rapid development at Charlton saw him make his first-team debut in 2015, at the age of 18, and he quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in the English Football League (EFL).
Ademola Lookman’s Club Career
  1. Charlton Athletic (2015-2017)
    • Transfer Fee: Youth academy graduate
    • Weekly Salary: Estimated at £2,000 per week
    • Achievements: Made 49 appearances, scoring 10 goals and assisting 3 times
    • Impact: Became a standout performer, drawing attention from Premier League scouts
  2. Everton (2017-2020)
    • Transfer Fee: £11 million
    • Weekly Salary: £20,000 per week initially, later increased to £30,000
    • Achievements: Scored on his debut against Manchester City
    • Impact: Despite moments of brilliance, Lookman’s progress stalled due to limited playing time under various managers.
  3. RB Leipzig (Loan 2018; Permanent 2019-2021)
    • Transfer Fee: €18 million (when deal made permanent in 2019)
    • Weekly Salary: £40,000 per week
    • Achievements: Contributed to Leipzig’s success in the Bundesliga and Champions League
    • Impact: Although Leipzig had high expectations, Lookman struggled for consistent game time.
  4. Fulham (Loan 2020-2021)
    • Loan Fee: £1.5 million
    • Weekly Salary: £40,000 per week (paid jointly by Fulham and Leipzig)
    • Achievements: Memorable performances, though Fulham was relegated
    • Impact: Lookman’s form reignited interest in his potential from top European clubs.
  5. Atalanta (2022-Present)
    • Transfer Fee: €15 million
    • Weekly Salary: £70,000 per week
    • Achievements: Scored 20+ goals in his debut season in Serie A, leading to the 2024 African Player of the Year award
    • Impact: Lookman’s time at Atalanta has been transformative, showcasing his ability to be a leading player in a major European league.
Ademola Lookman actually started his international career with England’s youth teams, appearing at the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup for the victorious English team.
But in 2020, he decided to start wearing Nigeria’s colours. Ademola made his debut for the Super Eagles in 2022 and was one of the country’s stars in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final.
Ademola Lookman’s Net Worth and Earnings Breakdown Lookman’s earnings have grown significantly since his early days at Charlton. His contracts, transfers, and endorsements have combined to create an estimated net worth of $15 million as of 2024. Below is a breakdown of his earnings:
  • Charlton Athletic (2015-2017): Approximately £156,000 total earnings
  • Everton (2017-2020): Approximately £4.68 million in total wages
  • RB Leipzig (2018-2021): Approximately £6.24 million in total wages
  • Fulham (Loan 2020-2021): Approximately £1.56 million in total wages
  • Atalanta (2022-Present): Approximately £7.28 million in wages so far
  • Endorsements and Sponsorships: Estimated to contribute around $2 million annually to his net worth

Total Career Earnings: Approximately $25 million (includes wages, endorsements, and bonuses).

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Comparative Earnings Analysis: Ademola Lookman vs African Peers
PlayerClub (2024)Net WorthWeekly WagesTotal Career Earnings
Ademola LookmanAtalanta$15M£70K$25M
Victor OsimhenNapoli$30M£120K$60M
Mohamed SalahLiverpool$90M£200K$150M
Wilfred NdidiLeicester$25M£90K$50M

 

While Lookman’s career trajectory is on the rise, his total earnings and net worth still lag behind stars like Victor Osimhen and Mohamed Salah. His relatively late breakthrough at Atalanta has limited his earnings potential in earlier years, but with his status as African Player of the Year, Lookman’s marketability has increased substantially.

Future Earnings Potential

Lookman’s future earnings are set to rise significantly. With his 2024 African Player of the Year win, he is poised to attract higher-paying contracts, performance bonuses, and endorsements. If he continues his goal-scoring exploits, Lookman’s weekly salary could increase to around £100,000 or more, especially if he moves to a wealthier club in the Premier League or a top La Liga side.

Ademola Lookman’s journey from local football in London to being crowned Africa’s best player in 2024 is a testament to patience, perseverance, and talent. With a net worth of $15 million and growing, his financial trajectory is set to climb steeply. While his earnings currently trail behind the likes of Victor Osimhen and Mohamed Salah,
Lookman’s on-field performances and new status as African Player of the Year make him one of the most marketable African players today. As he navigates the next phase of his career, a high-paying move to an elite club or a record-breaking renewal at Atalanta could see his earnings soar, further cementing his status as one of Africa’s most successful football exports.

 

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