Ademola Lookman’s remarkable hat-trick in the Europa League final has propelled him into the spotlight, securing Atalanta their first title in 61 years at the expense of Bayer Leverkusen. Lookman’s performance etched three unprecedented records.
He became the first African player to score two or more goals in a European Cup final, a feat unachieved by illustrious predecessors such as George Weah, Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba, Nwankwo Kanu, Mohamed Salah, or Sadio Mane. His hat-trick against Xabi Alonso’s side marked a historic milestone for African footballers on the European stage.
Lookman also etched his name in Atalanta’s history books by notching the first-ever goal for the club in a Europa League final. Before Wednesday’s triumph, Atalanta’s only European Cup accolade dated back to their UEFA Cup victory in 1964. Lookman’s three goals in the final solidified his status as a history-maker for the Italian club.
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Additionally, Lookman’s hat-trick in the Europa League final carved out a new chapter in the tournament’s annals. At just 26 years old, he became the first player ever to achieve this remarkable feat. Considering the tournament’s inception in 1971, Lookman’s extraordinary accomplishment demands widespread recognition and discussion.