Peckham’s former Charlton youngster Ademola Lookman hits brilliant hat-trick in Europa League final victory
South London’s Ademola Lookman became the first player to score a hat-trick in a single leg of a Europa League final.
The former Charlton youngster’s treble tonight ensured Atalanta defeated Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 to lift the trophy in Dublin.
Lookman scored twice in the first half and then added a superb third to cap off a brilliant all-round performance for the Serie A side.
The 26-year-old, from Peckham, was signed by the Addicks in 2014 from Lambeth-based Sunday league side Waterloo.
Lookman scored 12 goals in 49 first-team matches for Charlton before being sold to Everton in January 2017.
He struggled to settle and show his best form for the Toffees and was sold to RB Leipzig in 2019. There were loans to Fulham and Leicester City before an August 2022 switch to Atalanta.
Lookman had scored 12 goals in 42 matches prior to tonight’s showpiece event. Leverkusen had been unbeaten in 51 matches this season and the newly-crowned Bundesliga champions saw their dreams of a treble dashed.
It is 61 years since Atalanta last won silverware and this is their first European trophy in the club’s history.
Lookman told TNT Sport: “One of the best nights of my life. Amazing performance from the team – we did it. I’ve not got much words to say, but fantastic.
“I’m just happy we won today. I’m pleased. We made history tonight.”
PICTURE: PA