In the heart of Bergamo, a new hero has emerged, and his name is Ademola Lookman. The Nigerian forward, a driving force behind Atalanta’s recent successes, has caught the attention of none other than club legend Papu Gómez, who recently shared his admiration for the Super Eagles star.

Lookman’s journey with Atalanta began just two years ago, but his impact has been nothing short of extraordinary. The 26-year-old has scored 40 goals in 92 appearances, climbing to 15th on the club’s all-time scorers list. His crowning moment came in May when he delivered a stunning hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, leading Atalanta to their first-ever European trophy.

For Gómez, Lookman’s brilliance lies in his relentless hunger for goals. “He’s not like me. I was hungrier for assists, but he’s a pure goal hunter,” the Argentine remarked in an interview with Tutto Atalanta. “His ability to take on defenders and adapt to Gasperini’s system is remarkable. He’s grown tremendously as a team player.”

Gómez, who scored 59 goals and provided 72 assists during his seven-year tenure at the club, sees Lookman carving his own path. While Gómez built his legacy as a creator, Lookman is shaping his as a finisher, with 30 goals and 20 assists in just 71 Serie A matches.

Lookman’s performances have also earned him international recognition. Ranked second among Serie A players at the 2024 Ballon d’Or and a finalist for the 2024 African Player of the Year award, he stands on the cusp of greatness. With his exceptional form, Lookman has positioned himself as the favourite to claim the coveted CAF honour.

In Bergamo, where legends like Gómez are revered, Lookman is writing his own story—a tale of goals, glory, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.