10 fun facts about Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka, whose full name is Bukayo Ayoyinka Temidayo Saka, was born on September 5, 2001. He is an English professional footballer known for his role as a right winger for Arsenal in the Premier League and the England national team. Saka is highly esteemed as one of the top wingers globally. Throughout his career,…
Bukayo Saka, whose full name is Bukayo Ayoyinka Temidayo Saka, was born on September 5, 2001. He is an English professional footballer known for his role as a right winger for Arsenal in the Premier League and the England national team.
Saka is highly esteemed as one of the top wingers globally. Throughout his career, he has remained loyal to Arsenal, achieving success with the club by winning an FA Cup and two FA Community Shields. Saka’s exceptional performance has earned him the title of Arsenal’s Player of the Season for both the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons.
He has represented England at various youth levels and made his senior team debut in October 2020. Saka was a key player in England’s squads for UEFA Euro 2020, where they finished as runners-up, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Let’s get into some fun facts about him.
1. Nigerian descent
Saka was born in Ealing, Greater London, born to Adenike and Yomi Saka, who are Nigerian immigrants. He is the youngest child in the family. The talented Englishman studied at Greenwood High School, excelling in his GCSEs with an impressive four A*s and three As.
2. Happy soul
Saka’s name perfectly reflects his character. Derived from the Yoruba language spoken in southern Nigeria, “Bukayo” translates to “adds to happiness”. Known for his cheerful demeanor, the winger is beloved by both fans and teammates, creating a positive atmosphere in the dressing room.
3. Staunch Christian
Saka’s upbringing was deeply rooted in Christianity. He was raised in a Christian household and received his education at The Edward Betham Church of England Primary School, a school that strongly embraced Christian values.
Saka’s family, with unwavering devotion, consistently offered prayers for his triumphs and achievements. He revealed that, “I grew up in a Christian family who believe strongly in God.”
” This always made me curious to get to know God more and I have done so by reading my Bible a lot and going to church a lot over the years. My faith is constantly being exercised when I’m put in different situations or I play in big football matches such as my England debut.”
4. Freddie Ljungberg’s contribution
Freddie Ljungberg, a former Sweden winger and member of Arsenal’s Invincible squad, has significantly contributed to Saka’s growth and development.
Their relationship began when Ljungberg assumed coaching duties for Arsenal’s U15 team. Ljungberg’s influence has played a pivotal role in shaping Saka into the player he is today.
5. His father is his role model
Saka has never failed to praise his father, considering him a constant source of inspiration and a true role model. During an interview, Saka emphasized the significant impact his father, Yomi, has had on his flourishing football career.
He said, “He’s a massive inspiration for me. From when I was young, he always kept me grounded, kept me humble.”
6. He had trials at Chelsea and Spurs
Saka’s current situation could have been drastically altered if he had made different choices during his younger years. The talented winger from England had the opportunity to try out for two prominent London clubs, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
He ultimately opted for Arsenal, as they offered a clearer path for his development. Saka began his football journey in Watford’s youth teams before eventually joining Hale End at the tender age of seven. It is worth mentioning that both of his parents are avid supporters of Arsenal.
7. Record for most assists by a teenager in a season
Saka is recognized as one of the most dynamic wingers in global football at present. In the 2019-20 season, the English winger tallied 11 assists, surpassing the previous record held by teenager Cesc Fabregas. He has continued to excel, achieving double-digit figures in both goals (12) and assists (10) this season.
8. Scored Arsenal’s 2000th Premier League goal
Saka etched his name in the club’s history books when he netted the club’s 2000th Premier League goal against Aston Villa on March 19th, 2023. Arsenal joined an elite group, becoming just the third team to achieve this milestone after Manchester United and Liverpool.
9. Men’s young Player of the Year 2023
On the 13th of March, at the 2023 London Football awards, he was honored with the prestigious title of Best Men’s Young Player of the Year, thanks to his remarkable displays for Arsenal throughout the season.
Standing out among a select group of players in Europe, he has achieved an impressive feat of scoring 12 goals and providing 10 assists in the Premier League, making him one of the few to reach double figures in both categories this season.
10. Charitable
Saka collaborated with BigShoe to assist underprivileged children in Nigeria. The partnership with the renowned charity, supported by football stars such as Paul Pogba, Mesut Ozil, and Philipp Lahm, aimed to provide crucial surgeries for 120 children in Kano, the country’s second largest city.
