Raúl García: Lookman Is World-Class at Atletico
Atletico Madrid’s Spanish football legend Raúl García has offered a glowing endorsement of Nigeria international Ademola Lookman, describing the winger as a world-class talent whose swift adaptation to life at one of Europe’s most demanding clubs has come as no surprise to those who have watched him closely. The praise, offered on the eve of the high-stakes Madrid derby, came as Atletico confirmed their place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, despite a spirited second-leg performance from Tottenham Hotspur under interim manager Igor Tudor.
García described Lookman as a “world-class player,” praising his seamless adaptation to Diego Simeone’s system and noting that he had “hit the ground running” since arriving at the Metropolitano. Speaking at a pre-derby event in Madrid, García said: “He’s started on the front foot, which is never easy at a club like Atletico. He’s done exceptionally well. For me, he’s a world-class player, and his quality doesn’t surprise me.”
Lookman has registered four goals and three assists in 13 appearances across all competitions for Atletico since his arrival. His performances have drawn widespread admiration from Spanish football observers and former players, many of whom point to his technical quality, directness, and intelligence off the ball as qualities well suited to Simeone’s structured, high-intensity system.
The 28-year-old’s journey to Madrid reflects persistence and steady growth. Born in Wandsworth, London, Lookman rose through the youth ranks at Waterloo FC and Charlton Athletic, making his senior debut in November 2015. He went on to feature for Everton, RB Leipzig, Fulham, and Leicester City before joining Atalanta in 2022.
At Atalanta, he established himself as one of Europe’s most effective attacking players. In the 2023 to 2024 season, he recorded 17 goals and 10 assists, including a memorable hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen that secured the club’s first major European title. In his final season before moving to Spain, he contributed 20 goals and seven assists. Over his time in Italy, he made 137 appearances, scoring 55 goals and providing 27 assists.
Atletico Madrid completed his signing in February 2026 in a deal reported to be worth £30.3 million, with the player committing to a four-and-a-half-year contract.
On the international stage, Lookman’s career has also evolved. After representing England at youth level, he switched allegiance to Nigeria and made his senior debut in March 2022. He was part of the Super Eagles squad that finished runners-up at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and secured third place in 2025. His performances also earned him a Ballon d’Or nomination in 2024.
García’s remarks come ahead of a defining test for Lookman, with Atletico set to face Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu. The winger has already delivered strong performances against top opposition since arriving in Spain, reinforcing confidence that he belongs among Europe’s elite.
Atletico’s progress in the Champions League was secured after a dramatic two-legged contest against Tottenham. Holding a 5-2 advantage from the first leg, the Spanish side were pushed hard in London as Spurs produced one of their most energetic displays under Tudor.
Randal Kolo Muani gave Tottenham an early lead, but Julian Álvarez responded for Atletico to steady the tie. Xavi Simons restored Spurs’ advantage on the night with a well-taken effort from distance, and the London side continued to press in search of an unlikely comeback.
Goalkeeper Juan Musso played a key role for Atletico, making several important saves to keep the aggregate score in his side’s favour. A late header from David Hancko effectively ended Tottenham’s hopes, although Simons added a second goal from the penalty spot in stoppage time to seal a 3-2 victory on the night.
Despite the win, Tottenham were eliminated 7-5 on aggregate. The result ended an eight-match winless run and marked their first home victory since January, offering a measure of encouragement for Tudor.
Reflecting on the performance, Tudor said: “I think we performed very well, it was sensational. The guys pushed from the first moment. They believed that we can do it so that was the key.”
Atletico manager Diego Simeone acknowledged the quality of the contest, stating: “The penalty comes at the end and we maybe deserved a draw, but it is a great performance by our players.”
For Tottenham, attention now shifts back to domestic survival. The win, though not enough to secure progression, provides a psychological boost ahead of a crucial Premier League fixture against Nottingham Forest.
Spurs have endured a turbulent campaign, and their league position remains fragile. Injuries have further complicated matters, with several players only recently returning to partial fitness. Tudor revealed he had limited options available, underlining the scale of the challenge facing the squad in the final stretch of the season.
For Lookman and Atletico, however, the focus remains firmly on the next stage of their European campaign. His performances continue to strengthen his growing reputation, with García’s assessment echoing a wider consensus that the Nigerian forward has fully arrived at the highest level of European football.