Bukayo Saka, born September 5, 2001, is an English professional footballer who plays as a winger, left-back, or central midfielder for Premier League club Arsenal and the England national team.
In this article, we will explore Bukayo Saka’s biography, including his religion, age, parents, family, net worth, and girlfriend. We will also look at his early life, education, club career, international career, and personal life. We will learn more about his background, achievements, challenges, and aspirations. Read on to find more!
Early Life and Education
Birth and Family Background
Bukayo Ayoyinka Temidayo Saka was born on September 5, 2001, in Ealing, Greater London, to Yoruba Nigerian parents, Adenike and Yomi Saka. He is the younger of two children. His parents emigrated to London from Nigeria as economic migrants in the 1990s. They are devout Christians, and they raised their children in the faith.
Saka’s name “Bukayo” originates from the Yoruba language spoken in southern Nigeria, meaning “adds to happiness.”
Saka’s family played an integral role in shaping his upbringing. They provided unwavering support, nurturing his talents and encouraging him to pursue his dreams. Despite facing challenges in a foreign land, Saka’s family created an environment that allowed him to flourish.
His parents, both of whom were avid football fans, recognized his potential early on. They would often take him to local parks to play football with his friends, improving his skills and developing his love for the game. Saka’s father, a former amateur football player, would spend hours training him, teaching him every aspect of the sport and instilling in him a deep understanding of the game.
As Saka grew older, his passion for football only grew stronger, just as the story of his teammate, Reiss Nelson. He would spend countless hours practicing on his own, perfecting his technique, and pushing himself to the limit. His dedication and commitment were evident to all who knew him, and it was clear that he had the potential to achieve great things in the world of football.
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School and Academic Achievements
Saka attended the Edward Betham Church of England Primary School in Greenford, where he showed his sporting prowess from a young age. He later went to Greenford High School, where he continued to excel in sports and academics. He left the school in 2018 with four A*s and three As in his GCSEs.
Saka was praised by his teachers and classmates for his intelligence, diligence, and personality. He was also a popular and friendly student who got along well with everyone. He was described as “a model pupil” by his head teacher, Mia Pye.
Youth Football and Local Club
Saka started playing football when he was three years old, kicking a ball around with his father and brother in their backyard. He joined the local club, Greenford Celtic, when he was five years old and played for them until he was seven. He impressed the coaches and scouts with his natural talent, flair, and enthusiasm. He was also a versatile player who could play in any position.
Saka was spotted by Arsenal’s scouts when he was seven years old and invited to join their Hale End academy. He accepted the offer and signed for the Gunners in 2008. He quickly rose through the ranks and became one of the star players on the youth teams. He won the 2017–18 PL2 with the Arsenal U23 squad and was named the PL2 Player of the Year in 2018.
As he progressed through the youth ranks, Saka’s talent continued to shine. He consistently stood out in matches, displaying a level of skill and maturity beyond his years. His ability to read the game, make intelligent decisions, and execute precise passes made him a standout player in every match he played.
Off the field, Saka’s dedication to his craft was equally impressive. He would spend hours studying game footage, analyzing the tactics and techniques of top players, and incorporating them into his own game. His commitment to self-improvement was unwavering, and it was clear that he was destined for greatness.
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Word of Saka’s talent began to spread, and soon he was attracting interest from top clubs across Europe. Scouts from some of the biggest teams in the world would attend his matches, eager to witness his skills firsthand. The pressure was on Saka to perform, but he thrived under the spotlight, consistently delivering standout performances.
Despite the attention and accolades, Saka remained grounded and focused on his development. He understood that talent alone was not enough to succeed in the fiercely competitive world of professional football. He continued to work tirelessly, pushing himself to new heights and striving for excellence in every aspect of his game.
Saka’s Journey into Professional Football
Saka’s journey into professional football commenced when he joined Arsenal’s renowned youth academy. The club’s top-class training facilities and talented coaching staff provided him with the ideal environment to develop his skills.
Under the guidance of experienced coaches, Saka honed his technical abilities and tactical awareness. He spent countless hours on the training ground, perfecting his dribbling, passing, and shooting techniques. His dedication and work ethic were evident to everyone around him.
As he progressed through the ranks of the academy, Saka’s talent became increasingly apparent. He showcased his potential in various youth competitions, consistently catching the eye with his performances. Scouts from top clubs across Europe started to take notice of the young prodigy.
It wasn’t long before Saka’s hard work paid off, and he earned a promotion to the senior team. The transition from the youth academy to the senior team was a significant milestone in his career, and he was determined to make the most of the opportunity.
Transition to the Senior Team
Saka made his senior debut for Arsenal in a Europa League match against Vorskla Poltava in 2018. Despite being only 17 years old at the time, he impressed with his composure and maturity. The pressure of playing in front of thousands of fans did not affect him.
His versatility as a left-back, left-winger, or central midfielder made him an asset to the team. Saka’s ability to seamlessly adapt to different positions on the field showcased his versatility and football intelligence. He quickly became a favorite among the coaching staff and his teammates.
Since that memorable debut, Saka has become a key figure in Arsenal’s first team, showcasing his exceptional technical skills, vision, and ability to create goal-scoring opportunities. His lightning-fast speed and agility make him a nightmare for defenders to handle.
Off the field, Saka’s humble and down-to-earth personality has endeared him to fans and teammates alike. He is known for his dedication to his craft and his willingness to learn from more experienced players. Saka’s positive attitude and strong work ethic have made him a role model for aspiring young football players.
As his career continues to flourish, Saka remains focused on improving and reaching new heights. He understands that success in professional football requires constant growth and development. With each passing game, he strives to become an even better player and make a lasting impact on the sport.
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Loan Spells and Return to Arsenal
In 2021, Saka was loaned out to 1899 Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga, where he scored seven goals in 23 games. He returned to Arsenal in 2022 and continued his impressive form. He scored his first hat-trick for the club in a 5–0 win over Nottingham Forest in the League Cup. He also scored in the Europa League against Standard Liège and in the FA Cup against Portsmouth.
He was part of the Arsenal team that won the 2020 FA Community Shield, beating Liverpool on penalties. He also helped Arsenal reach the final of the 2021–22 Europa League, where they lost to Villarreal. He ended the season with 15 goals and 12 assists in all competitions, the most by any Arsenal player. He was named Arsenal’s Player of the Season for the second consecutive year and was included in the PFA Team of the Year.
Awards and Achievements
Saka has won several awards and accolades for his performances for Arsenal. Some of them are:
- FA Cup: 2019–20
- FA Community Shield: 2020
- PL2 Player of the Year: 2017–18
- Arsenal Young Player of the Season: 2019–20, 2020–21
- Arsenal Player of the Season: 2020–21, 2021–22
- PFA Young Player of the Year: 2020–21 (nominated)
- PFA Team of the Year: 2020–21
Saka’s International Career
Youth Levels and Senior Debut
Saka represented England at various youth levels, scoring 22 goals in 39 appearances. He was part of the England U17 team that reached the semi-finals of the 2018 UEFA European Under-17 Championship. He also played for the England U19 team that won the 2019 UEFA European Under-19 Championship.
He made his debut for the England senior team in October 2020, in a friendly match against Wales. He started the game and played for 76 minutes, earning praise for his performance.
He said,
“It was a very proud moment for me and my family. It was an honor to wear the shirt and represent my country. I’m grateful to the manager and the staff for giving me this opportunity.”
Euro 2020 and World Cup 2022
Saka was selected for England’s squad for UEFA Euro 2020, which was postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He made his first appearance in the tournament in the final group stage game against the Czech Republic, where he was named the man of the match for his lively and influential display. He also started in the round of 16 game against Germany, where he assisted Raheem Sterling’s opening goal in a 2–0 win.
He was part of the England team that reached the final of the tournament, where they faced Italy. He came on as a substitute in the second half and was one of the three players chosen to take the penalty shootout. Unfortunately, he missed his spot-kick, along with Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford, and England lost the final 3–2 on penalties.
Saka was devastated by the outcome and received racist abuse online from some fans. He was also consoled and supported by his teammates, manager, club, family, and friends. He issued a statement on social media, apologizing for his loss and thanking everyone for their love and encouragement.
He said,
“I don’t want to let anyone down. I’m sorry that we couldn’t bring it home for you this year, but I promise you that we will give everything we’ve got to make sure this generation knows how it feels to win.”
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Saka’s Personal Life
Religion and Ethnicity
Saka is a Christian and a proud Nigerian. He has a strong connection to his Yoruba heritage and culture. He often celebrates his goals by making the sign of the cross and pointing to the sky. He also wears a necklace with a pendant of the map of Nigeria.
He said,
“I’m very proud of my Nigerian roots. I come from a very humble and hard-working family. They taught me to always trust in God and never give up on my dreams.”
Girlfriend and Relationship Status
Bukayo Saka is currently dating Tolami Benson, a model and social media influencer of Nigerian descent. She is also the owner of a successful fashion line and has worked with top brands across the country. She is related to Coco Benson, who is a Swiss-Nigerian singer-songwriter and wife of popular record producer Shizzi. Coco Benson is also the granddaughter of Nigerian highlife legend Bobby Benson.
Bukayo Saka and Tolami Benson have been dating since late 2020, but they have kept their relationship quiet and private. They do not share pictures of themselves together, and they do not even follow each other on social media. However, Tolami Benson often shows her support for her boyfriend’s Premier League team by wearing an Arsenal kit and posting pictures on her Instagram page. She also accompanied Saka to the Qatar World Cup stadium to cheer him on and celebrate with him after England’s 6-2 win against Iran.
Tolami Benson was born on December 3, 2000, making her one year older than her boyfriend Saka, who was born on September 5, 2001. Her zodiac sign is Sagittarius, which means that she is an optimistic and reliable person. She is a Christian and a proud Nigerian, like Saka. She has a strong connection to her Yoruba heritage and culture.
Net Worth and Salary
Saka is one of the highest-paid young players in the world. He earns a reported £300,000-per-week at Arsenal according to Daily Mail. He also has endorsement deals with Nike, EA Sports and Pepsi. His estimated net worth is around £5 million as of 2023.
Appreciation Note
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