7 Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Ayoyinka Temidayo Saka was born on September 5, 2001, in Ealing, Greater London, to Yoruba Nigerian parents, Adenike and Yomi Saka. He was the younger of two children in his family. His parents migrated from Nigeria to England in search of better opportunities. Saka attended Edward Betham Church of England Primary School before moving to Greenford High School, where he excelled academically, achieving four A*s and three As in his GCSEs.

From a young age, Saka demonstrated a passion for football. Before joining Arsenal’s prestigious Hale End academy, he played for Greenford Celtic. He credits his father as a major influence on his football career, describing him as a grounding and inspirational figure.

Club Career

Early Beginnings at Arsenal

Saka joined Arsenal’s Hale End academy at the age of seven, having previously been part of Watford’s youth setup. He quickly stood out for his skill and decision-making ability. By the time he was 17, he signed his first professional contract with Arsenal and was promoted to the under-23 squad.

On November 29, 2018, he made his senior debut for Arsenal in a UEFA Europa League match against Vorskla Poltava. His Premier League debut followed on January 1, 2019, against Fulham, making him the first player born in 2001 to play in the competition.

Breakthrough and FA Cup Success (2019–2020)

Saka scored his first goal for Arsenal on September 19, 2019, in a Europa League match against Eintracht Frankfurt. Due to injuries in the squad, he transitioned into a left-back role and impressed with his performances. His first Premier League goal came in July 2020 against Wolverhampton Wanderers. That same season, he played a crucial role in Arsenal’s FA Cup victory, though he was an unused substitute in the final.

Establishing Himself as Arsenal’s Star (2020–2022)

Saka was instrumental in Arsenal’s FA Community Shield win against Liverpool in August 2020. He consistently delivered strong performances, earning back-to-back Arsenal Player of the Season awards for 2020–21 and 2021–22. By the end of the 2021–22 season, he had become Arsenal’s top scorer and was nominated for multiple Player of the Year awards.

Title Challenges and Further Growth (2022–Present)

The 2022–23 season saw Saka playing a key role in Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge. He reached 100 Premier League appearances in August 2022 and scored crucial goals against top teams like Manchester United and Liverpool. His consistent performances earned him the PFA Young Player of the Year award. In May 2023, he committed his future to Arsenal by signing a long-term contract.

In the 2023–24 season, Saka continued to shine, setting a club record with 83 consecutive Premier League appearances. He also made his Champions League debut, scoring in a 4–0 win over PSV Eindhoven. By February 2024, he had surpassed 50 goals for Arsenal, becoming the youngest player in club history to achieve this milestone.

International Career

Youth Career

Saka represented England at various youth levels, beginning with the U-16s in 2016. He played in multiple youth tournaments, including the UEFA U-17 European Championship in 2018, where England reached the semi-finals. At the U-19 level, he scored four goals in ten appearances before earning his first senior call-up.

Senior England Career

Saka made his senior England debut on October 1, 2020, in a 3–0 win over Wales. He was part of England’s Euro 2020 squad, making a significant impact before missing a crucial penalty in the final against Italy. He later received widespread support after facing racial abuse online.

During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Saka scored three goals, including a brace against Iran and one against Senegal. His performances earned him England’s Men’s Player of the Year award for the 2021–22 and 2022–23 seasons.

In June 2023, he scored his first international hat-trick in a 7–0 win over North Macedonia in Euro 2024 qualifying. He was subsequently named in England’s squad for UEFA Euro 2024.

Legacy and Future Prospects

At just 22, Bukayo Saka has already established himself as one of the best players in world football. With his technical brilliance, intelligence on the pitch, and tireless work ethic, he continues to be a vital asset for both Arsenal and England. As he enters his prime years, Saka’s influence is only expected to grow, with more trophies and accolades likely in his future.