Ademola Lookman arrived in Dublin this week after a challenging season, having lost both the AFCON final with Nigeria and the Coppa Italia final with Atalanta in 2024. “They always say third time lucky,” he remarked with a grin, holding the match ball after a career-defining night where Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen were defeated.

Atalanta, affectionately known as La Dea (The Goddess), secured only their second trophy in their 116-year history, the first being the Coppa Italia in 1963. Alonso had no answer to Lookman’s speed and agility, leaving defender Edmond Tapsoba exposed and sleepless. Two years after his last Premier League appearance for Leicester against Southampton, Lookman was lifted high by his teammates.

Defender Sead Kolasinac shared his premonition about Lookman’s potential impact on the game. “Before the match, I felt he could be decisive. His hat trick gave us the trophy. We’re fortunate to have him.”

In England, Lookman had been seen as a journeyman, moving through various loan spells. His performance in Dublin, where he scored as many goals in one night as he did in two Premier League seasons with Everton, was a stark contrast. His memorable debut goal for Everton in a 4-0 win against Manchester City remains a highlight. However, it was Atalanta and manager Gian Piero Gasperini who truly saw his potential.

Lookman’s journey is a testament to perseverance. Alongside club stalwarts like Rafael Toloi and Marten De Roon, his success is also Gasperini’s, who became the fourth oldest manager to win a major European trophy. After three unsuccessful Coppa Italia finals, Gasperini finally struck gold.

Atalanta’s Nigerian forward, Ademola Lookman, lifted the UEFA Europa League trophy after scoring all three goals in a 3-0 win against Bayer Leverkusen. “Winning this trophy with Atalanta is a footballing fairytale,” Gasperini said. “It’s a victory for meritocracy, showing that faith in smaller teams can yield big results.”

Gasperini, who narrowly avoided being sacked in his first season, is now an honorary citizen of Bergamo, with calls for a statue in his honor. He admitted to being surprised by Lookman’s development, having initially seen him as a potential but not prolific player.

“We brought him in with the belief that he could be useful, but he exceeded all expectations,” Gasperini said. “I adjusted his position slightly, making him more attacking, and now he’s achieved something historic.”

Lookman’s football journey began in Sunday League football with Waterloo FC. Growing up in a deprived area of Wandsworth and attending school in Peckham, he often relied on friends for meals. His mother’s struggles fueled his determination to succeed.

Former Charlton Athletic striker Jason Euell played a pivotal role in Lookman’s development, overseeing his progress from U18s to the first team. Despite challenges at Everton and RB Leipzig, and loan spells at Fulham and Leicester, Lookman found consistency in Italy under Gasperini.

Lookman’s Europa League final performance earned him a rare 10 rating from L’Equipe, only the 18th in the publication’s history. “I’ve always believed in my ability to create and score goals,” Lookman said. “The past few years, I’ve taken my game to a new level.”

Much of the attention before the final was on Leverkusen’s 51-game unbeaten run and their quest for a treble. However, Gasperini has transformed Atalanta into Italy’s best-run club, and Lookman’s story adds an emotive layer to their success.

One of Lookman’s former youth coaches, speaking to TNT Sports, expressed deep pride. “We’ve dreamed of this since he was a kid at Waterloo. His journey is a dream come true.”

Lookman’s story is one of resilience and gratitude. His struggles have shaped him into the man he is today, celebrated in Bergamo for bringing glory to the Goddess.