Ademola Lookman
Ademola Lookman is set to wear Atlético Madrid’s No. 11 shirt next season, another indication of the growing expectations surrounding the Nigerian forward ahead of his first full campaign with the Spanish giants.
Lookman was pictured holding up an Atlético shirt bearing his name and the No. 11, with the development pointing to a change from the No. 22 he wore after arriving at the club in February.
The Super Eagles forward joined Atlético from Atalanta on a contract running until June 2030, bringing with him a reputation built during four impressive seasons in Italy.
His time at Atalanta produced the biggest moment of his club career so far, when he scored a hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League final to fire the Italian side to a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen.
Atlético moved for Lookman after that rise, adding a forward whose pace, direct running and ability to play across the front line offered Diego Simeone another attacking option.
He wasted little time making an impression in Madrid.
Lookman scored and provided an assist on his Atlético debut against Real Betis in the Copa del Rey, helping Simeone’s side to a 5-0 victory.
The reported switch to No. 11 now adds another layer to his growing role at the club.
The number was worn by Thiago Almada during the 2025/26 campaign, while Lookman operated with No. 22 following his January move. Taking over the No. 11 ahead of the new season therefore represents more than a simple change of shirt.
It comes with greater expectations.
Lookman is entering the new campaign with Atlético no longer simply seeing him as a mid-season addition, but as an established part of Simeone’s attacking plans.
For the Nigerian, the task will now be to turn that growing recognition into consistent performances.
The No. 11 may only be a number, but at a club like Atlético, it can also become a statement of intent.
And Lookman will have to make sure his football matches the shirt.
