Ademola Lookman has admitted that facing Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League semi-final will carry special emotions for him ahead of the highly anticipated showdown.
The Nigerian winger, who has been in strong form since joining Atletico Madrid from Atalanta in February, spoke about the significance of taking on the North London side. Born and raised in Wandsworth, London, Lookman began his career in England with Charlton Athletic before establishing himself as one of Europe’s most dangerous attackers.
The 28-year-old’s journey from South London youth football to Champions League semi-finals represents a remarkable rise. Having attended St Thomas the Apostle College in Nunhead, Lookman understands the significance of facing Arsenal, one of the clubs he grew up watching.
“For me it’s emotional. I grew up in London. The first time was with Charlton, when I was a kid. Being from London, it’s a very special match. What I want is to win,” Lookman told Mundo Deportivo ahead of the first leg.
The Nigerian acknowledged Arsenal’s quality under Mikel Arteta. “They are a very tough opponent, a top team, we have to be ready to fight. It’s the Champions League semi-finals, there are no easy opponents at this stage. It will be a very tough match.”
Since his €35 million move from Atalanta, Lookman has made an immediate impact at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. He scored on his debut in a 5-0 Copa del Rey victory over Real Betis and followed that with the crucial goal against Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-final that sent Atletico through 3-2 on aggregate.
The Nigerian’s pace, directness, and ability to score important goals have made him a fan favorite in Madrid. His versatility across the forward line gives Simeone tactical flexibility, while his experience in winning the 2024 Europa League with Atalanta provides valuable knockout football know-how.
Lookman’s club form has coincided with his continued importance to Nigeria. He scored three goals at the 2025 AFCON where the Super Eagles finished third, losing to Morocco in the semi-final penalty shootout.
With 11 goals in 41 appearances for Nigeria, the former Leicester and Fulham winger has established himself as one of the team’s key attacking threats. His performances earned him the 2024 CAF African Player of the Year award following his Europa League final hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen.
The semi-final represents the biggest stage of Lookman’s career. Atletico are seeking their first Champions League title, having lost finals in 2014 and 2016. Arsenal, meanwhile, are chasing their first European Cup since they last reached the final in 2006.
Both teams favor attacking football, setting up what promises to be an entertaining two-legged affair. Lookman’s ability to exploit spaces on the counter could prove decisive against Arsenal’s high defensive line.
For the Nigerian international, it’s another opportunity to showcase his talent on the grandest stage, this time against elite opposition from the country where his professional journey began.
