Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has attributed Ademola Lookman’s meteoric rise to the collective efforts of the club rather than taking individual credit.
Since joining Atalanta, Lookman has become a key player, winning the club’s Player of the Season award for two consecutive campaigns and earning global recognition by finishing 14th in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
His achievements culminated on Monday when he was crowned African Footballer of the Year.
While Gasperini has often been praised for nurturing the Nigerian international’s talent, the coach was quick to deflect attention away from himself.
“For many years, Atalanta’s objective has been to improve players and see them reach greater heights,” Gasperini told Football Italia.
“It’s not my credit—it goes to everyone at Atalanta who helps the players grow. And of course, the credit goes to the players themselves.”
The former Leicester City winger has made significant strides since his move to Italy, emerging as a standout performer under Gasperini’s management.
However, the Atalanta boss insists that the players’ innate abilities, combined with the club’s supportive environment, have been pivotal to their development.
“They have what it takes,” Gasperini added. “We just help them to bring that out.”
Lookman’s achievements not only highlight his individual brilliance but also underline Atalanta’s reputation as a club that fosters talent, helping players reach new levels in their careers.