Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, is set to wear the No. 11 shirt for Atlético Madrid ahead of the 2026/27 season, marking a notable change from the No. 22 jersey he used during the second half of the previous campaign.
The reported switch comes after the departure of Argentine midfielder, Thiago Almada, who has completed a move to River Plate. Almada occupied the No. 11 shirt during his time with the Spanish club, leaving the number available as Atlético prepare for the new LaLiga campaign.
Lookman arrived at Atlético Madrid in January 2026 from Italian side, Atalanta, and initially took the No. 22 shirt. His move to Spain followed an impressive spell in Italy, where he developed into one of the most influential attacking players in European football.
The Nigerian international made an immediate impression after joining Diego Simeone’s side. In his first six months at the club, Lookman reportedly registered nine goals and four assists in 24 appearances across competitions, quickly becoming an important option in Atlético’s attacking setup.
Atlético’s official records confirm that Lookman joined the club from Atalanta in February 2026 on a contract running until June 2030. The Spanish club described him as a versatile and dynamic forward capable of operating as a second striker or on either wing.
The club’s official squad listing for the 2025/26 season had Lookman wearing No. 22, while Almada was listed with No. 11. That arrangement reflected the squad numbers in place during Lookman’s first months at the Metropolitano.
With Almada now leaving the Spanish capital, the No. 11 shirt is reportedly being handed to Lookman as Atlético reshape their squad for another demanding campaign.
For the Nigerian forward, the change carries a degree of familiarity. Lookman previously wore No. 11 at Atalanta during part of his highly productive period with the Serie A club. His performances in Bergamo helped establish him as one of Nigeria’s leading attacking players and attracted significant interest before his eventual transfer to Atlético.
His time at Atalanta was particularly important to his development. After joining the Italian club in 2022, Lookman became a regular contributor in attack and played a key role in the team’s successful European campaign. He also gained further international recognition with Nigeria, becoming an increasingly important figure for the Super Eagles.
His transfer to Atlético represented another major step in his career. The Madrid club officially confirmed the agreement with Atalanta in February, stating that the Nigerian had signed until June 30, 2030.
Lookman’s arrival also gave Simeone another attacking player capable of changing matches through pace, movement and direct running. Atlético’s official profile describes him as a right-footed attacker who can play on both flanks and use his speed and dribbling ability to unsettle defenders.
That versatility was evident during the second half of the 2025/26 season. Lookman was used in different attacking positions as Simeone sought to maximise the Nigerian’s ability to stretch opposing defences and create openings for teammates.
He also featured prominently in Atlético’s run-in. The club’s official team news showed Lookman starting against Girona in May, alongside Giuliano Simeone, Álex Baena and Antoine Griezmann in Simeone’s attacking lineup.
The Nigerian’s performances have consequently raised expectations ahead of the new campaign. Atlético will hope that a full season with the club allows Lookman to build on the impact he made after arriving midway through the previous season.
The timing of the reported shirt change is also significant because Atlético are preparing for the start of the 2026/27 LaLiga campaign. The club has already begun its pre-season preparations, with Lookman among the players involved in activities ahead of the new season.
Atlético’s official pre-season coverage showed Lookman taking part in the club’s traditional visit to Segovia in July alongside several teammates. The club also confirmed that its 2026/27 league campaign would begin at home against Málaga on August 19.
For Lookman, the move from No. 22 to No. 11 could therefore become more than a simple change of squad number. It comes at a stage when the Nigerian is expected to take on greater responsibility in Atlético’s attack.
The 28-year-old has already demonstrated that he can adapt quickly to new environments. His first half-season in Madrid produced a strong return despite arriving in the middle of the campaign, and a full pre-season should give him more time to understand Simeone’s tactical demands and develop further chemistry with his attacking teammates.
The No. 11 shirt has also traditionally been associated with attacking players, making it a natural fit for Lookman’s style. His pace, ability to operate from either flank and tendency to attack defenders directly make him suited to the role.
Atlético’s official player profile lists Lookman as a forward and notes his experience with Charlton Athletic, Everton, RB Leipzig, Fulham, Leicester City and Atalanta before his move to Madrid.
His journey from England to Germany, back to England, then Italy and now Spain has been marked by gradual growth and increasing responsibility. The latest reported shirt-number change provides another indication of his rising status at Atlético.
However, the number itself will not determine Lookman’s influence. The bigger test will come on the pitch, where Atlético will expect him to produce consistently throughout a full season.
After making an encouraging start in Spain, Lookman now has the opportunity to establish himself as a permanent fixture in Simeone’s plans. With Atlético competing in domestic and European competitions, the Nigerian is likely to face a demanding schedule and increased expectations.
Supporters will therefore be watching closely to see whether the No. 11 shirt becomes associated with another productive chapter in Lookman’s career.
For Nigeria, his continued development at one of Spain’s biggest clubs will also be significant. Lookman remains an important attacking option for the Super Eagles, and regular performances at Atlético could strengthen his position ahead of future international assignments.
The reported switch from No. 22 to No. 11 consequently comes at an interesting moment in the Nigerian’s career. Having impressed during his initial months in Madrid, Lookman enters the 2026/27 season with a new squad number, a full campaign ahead of him and an opportunity to become an even more influential figure in Atlético Madrid’s attack.