Bukayo Ayoyinka Temidayo Saka, born on September 5, 2001, is a talented English professional footballer renowned for his role as a right winger with Premier League side Arsenal and the England national team. He has earned recognition as one of the most promising young wingers on the global football stage.
Saka began his international journey by representing England in various youth categories before making his senior team debut in October 2020. He had the privilege of being a part of England’s squads in both UEFA Euro 2020, where England finished as the runner-up and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Early Life
Bukayo Ayoyinka Temidayo Saka, born on September 5, 2001, hails from Ealing, Greater London. He is the younger of two children, born to Adenike and Yomi Saka, who migrated to London from Nigeria in search of better economic opportunities. Saka’s educational journey began at Edward Betham Church of England Primary School, followed by Greenford High School, where he excelled in his GCSEs, securing four A*s and three As.
Before his association with Arsenal, Saka honed his football skills by playing youth football for a local club called Greenford Celtic. In an interview, he expressed deep gratitude to his father, Yomi, for being a significant source of inspiration and guidance in his footballing career, emphasizing his father’s role in keeping him grounded and humble.
The name “Bukayo” finds its roots in the Yoruba language spoken in southern Nigeria, and it signifies “adds to happiness.”
Clubs: The Footballing Journey
Arsenal (The One Man Club So Far)
In the early stages of his career, Bukayo Saka, who had previously played for the youth teams of Watford, entered Arsenal’s Hale End academy at the young age of seven.
In a 2020 interview, Trevor Bumstead, Arsenal’s U16 coach, highlighted Saka’s exceptional skills, describing him as a fantastic decision-maker on the field. Saka demonstrated an innate ability to choose when to take on opponents and when to make passes, coupled with impressive physical attributes, character, and a great personality. When Saka reached the age of 17, Arsenal rewarded his progress with a professional contract and a promotion to the under-23 team.
Saka’s first taste of senior team action with Arsenal came on November 29, 2018, when he made his debut in a UEFA Europa League match against Vorskla Poltava, coming on as a substitute in the 68th minute for Aaron Ramsey. Just a couple of weeks later, on December 13, he had his first full home debut for Arsenal in a Europa League match against QarabaÄ.
Then, on January 1, 2019, Saka made his Premier League debut in a 4-1 victory against Fulham, coming on as a substitute for Alex Iwobi in the 83rd minute. Notably, he became the first player born in 2001 to participate in a Premier League match. Although he was an unused substitute in the 2019 UEFA Europa League final, in which Arsenal lost 4-1 to Chelsea, he received a runners-up medal.
The Breakthrough
On September 19, Bukayo Saka showcased his burgeoning talent by scoring his first goal for Arsenal spectacularly. He curled a long-range effort into the corner of the net during a Europa League match against Eintracht Frankfurt, also contributing two assists in a 3-0 victory. Saka’s impressive performances earned him his first Premier League start, where he continued to make an impact with an assist for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in a 1-1 draw against Manchester United.
As injuries plagued Arsenal’s defense, Saka transitioned to a left-back role and established himself as a regular first-team player. In a memorable FA Cup fourth-round match against AFC Bournemouth on January 27, 2020, he scored the opening goal and provided an assist for Eddie Nketiah, which was later hailed as the goal of the round by BBC Sport.
Saka’s versatility and creativity continued to shine as he contributed with assists in various matches, including a crucial one for Alexandre Lacazette in a Europa League victory over Olympiacos.
Saka’s exceptional contributions did not go unnoticed, and he signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal on July 1, 2020. Arsenal’s head coach, Mikel Arteta, lauded Saka’s representation of the club’s values, emphasizing his progression both as a player and as a person.
Saka further solidified his status by scoring his first Premier League goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers and becoming an integral part of Arsenal’s success in the 2019-20 season, which included winning the FA Cup. He earned recognition by finishing third in the Arsenal Player of the Season award vote.
Arsenal’s Best Player (2020-23)
In the 2020-2021 season, Bukayo Saka continued to rise as a key figure in Arsenal’s squad. He started the season by assisting Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the FA Community Shield, which Arsenal won in a penalty shootout against Liverpool. Saka then opened his scoring account for the 2020-21 season with a goal in a victory against Sheffield United.
However, not all moments were filled with glory, as Saka experienced the disappointment of scoring an own goal in a home defeat against Aston Villa. Nevertheless, he rebounded impressively, netting a crucial goal in a 3-1 win over Chelsea on Boxing Day, earning him the Arsenal Player of the Month award for December.
Saka’s excellent performances continued, and he claimed the Player of the Month award for January, having scored three goals and provided an assist across various competitions. His goal against West Bromwich Albion was recognized as one of Arsenal’s Goals of the Month. Saka’s remarkable consistency earned him the Player of the Month title for February, further solidifying his status as a rising star.
He celebrated his 50th Premier League appearance for Arsenal in March, becoming the second youngest player in the club’s history to reach that milestone. Saka also played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s Europa League campaign, notably scoring and helping secure a 4-0 victory over Slavia Prague in the quarter-final. At the end of the season, he was named Arsenal Player of the Season, having finished with seven goals and seven assists across 46 appearances.
Saka Shines in Arsenal Jersey
In the 2021-2022 season, Saka continued his impressive form, scoring goals in both EFL Cup and Premier League matches. He reached his 100th appearance for Arsenal with an assist in a victory against Leicester City. Saka became Arsenal’s top scorer and was nominated for several prestigious awards, ultimately earning the title of Arsenal’s Player of the Season for a second consecutive year, a feat last achieved by Thierry Henry in 2003 and 2004. Arsenal finished fifth in the Premier League, narrowly missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification.
In the 2022-2023 season, Bukayo Saka continued to be a linchpin for Arsenal’s title aspirations. He played a pivotal role in the club’s bid to secure their first Premier League title since the historic 2003-04 season. Notably, he marked his 100th Premier League appearance for Arsenal with a victory over Bournemouth on August 20, 2022, making him the second youngest player in Arsenal’s history to reach this milestone.
Throughout the season, Saka’s contributions were significant, including scoring crucial goals and providing crucial assists. He scored the equalizer against West Ham in a 3-1 win in December, and he set up Martin Ødegaard’s goal against Tottenham Hotspur in January, helping Arsenal secure their first away league win against their rivals since 2014.
Saka’s outstanding form was further recognized with accolades, as he received the Men’s Young Player of the Year award at the 2023 London Football Awards in March and was named the Premier League Player of the Month for the same month.
His exceptional season also earned him nominations for various prestigious awards, including the Premier League Player of the Season, Premier League Young Player of the Season, and FWA Footballer of the Year. Ultimately, he was honored as the PFA Young Player of the Year for the 2022-23 season. Saka’s performances played a crucial role in Arsenal’s title challenge.
The Present (2023)
In the 2023-24 season, Bukayo Saka continued to shine for Arsenal. In their first match of the Premier League season, which took place on August 12, 2023, Saka played a crucial role, scoring a goal that contributed to Arsenal’s 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest.
Saka’s remarkable consistency was further highlighted on August 26 when he marked his 83rd consecutive Premier League appearance for Arsenal. This achievement set a new club record, underlining his importance to the team.
On September 20, Saka reached another milestone by scoring his first-ever goal in the prestigious Champions League. Not only did he find the back of the net, but he also provided an assist, contributing significantly to Arsenal’s impressive 4-0 win over PSV in his Champions League debut.
In late October 2023, Saka had the honor of captaining Arsenal for the first time in a home match against Sheffield United, which Arsenal won 5-0. Saka’s leadership and consistent contributions continued to be a driving force for Arsenal as they pursued success in various competitions.
Family
Bukayo Saka’s family background reveals an interesting heritage. His grandfather had pursued studies in the United Kingdom, which underscores a connection to the UK. Furthermore, Saka’s father, Yomi Saka, was born in the UK, adding to the family’s British ties.
On his maternal side, Saka’s family boasts success, with his maternal grandfather being a prosperous businessman who resided in one of Lagos’s affluent areas.
Saka’s name, “Bukayo,” carries a meaningful connotation as it is a unisex name in the Yoruba language, signifying “Adds to happiness.”
When it comes to his personal life, such as his girlfriend or relationship status, Saka has kept this aspect of his life private. At the age of 22, it appears that he has not publicly disclosed any information about his romantic history, suggesting that he might be focused on advancing his football career.
Net Worth
Bukayo Saka’s net worth is estimated to be around £4 million, primarily derived from his contract with Arsenal and earnings as a professional footballer over the past 5 years. Given his exceptional performance, there’s potential for him to renegotiate his contract and secure a higher salary, aligning with top-tier players on the team.
Bukayo Saka possesses an impressive collection of cars, which features a range of luxurious and exotic models. Among his prized vehicles are a Ferrari 458 Spider and a Mercedes Benz, to name a few. Fans have occasionally spotted him driving these remarkable cars, making his automobile collection a subject of admiration among his followers.
Consequently, it’s challenging to determine the properties he may have acquired during his five years as a professional footballer. Saka’s focus appears to be on his career rather than showcasing material wealth through public displays.
Career and Stats
Club:
| Club | Season | Apps | Goals |
| Arsenal U21 | 2018-19 | 4 | 1 |
| Arsenal | 2018-19 | 4 | 0 |
| 2019–20 | 38 | 4 | |
| 2020–21 | 46 | 7 | |
| 2021–22 | 43 | 12 | |
| 2022–23 | 48 | 15 | |
| 2023–24 | 37 | 16 | |
| Total | 2018-24 | 220 | 55 |
International:
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
| England | 2020 | 4 | 0 |
| 2021 | 10 | 4 | |
| 2022 | 10 | 3 | |
| 2023 | 8 | 4 | |
| Total | 32 | 11 | |
Bukayo Saka has achieved several notable honors in his football career. With Arsenal, he was part of the team that won the FA Cup in the 2019-20 season and clinched the FA Community Shield in 2020 and 2023. Despite a runner-up finish in the UEFA Europa League in 2018-19, Saka’s accolades have been impressive.
He has been named England Men’s Player of the Year in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, received the Premier League Player of the Month for March 2023, and earned a spot in the PFA Team of the Year for the 2022-23 Premier League season. Saka also secured the PFA Young Player of the Year award in 2022-23.
Bukayo Saka Girlfriend
England star Bukayo Saka’s girlfriend is Tolami Benson. The pair has been together since 2020 but theire relationship became known to the public only in the past year. Bukayo Saka’s girlfriend, Tolami, likes to keep things very private as not much is known about her life. In fact, Tolami and Saka does not follow each other on Instagram to stay away from the gossips. Tolami Benson is also a year elder to the Arsenal forward.