In six months he has completed a big-money move to Everton, scored on his Premier League debut and is now representing England at the U20 World Cup, but Ademola Lookman says he will never forget his roots.
Unlike many of his peers, the 19-year-old did not climb the ranks through a traditional academy set-up, instead he played for local team Waterloo FC in south London until moving to Charlton Athletic in 2014.
After making a big impression for the Addicks he was snapped up by Everton in January, and scored within minutes of first pulling on a blue shirt in a 4-0 home win over Manchester City.
And Lookman is now bidding to help England reach the latter stages of the competition when they conclude the group stage against hosts South Korea in Suwon.
Whatever heights Lookman reaches with club and country, the Londoner is proud of the path he has taken.
“I’d say it’s helped me learn to fight for every opportunity,” explained Lookman.
“I think if you have belief in anything you do, that drive will see you through. I do see myself as a role model – I like to think I am.
“[Being in Korea] It has been an eye-opening experience. It makes me not take the things I have for granted.
“There are people across the world who don’t have anything compared to me. I’m grateful to the man upstairs for what he’s blessed me with.”
Lookman was not involved in England U20s opening match against Argentina, but started the 1-1 draw with Guinea that leaves them on the verge of qualification to the last-16.
