Everything you need to know about Arsenal's star-boy Bukayo Saka.
Bukayo Saka is a young professional football player who was born on September 5, 2001, in Ealing, London, England to Nigerian parents. He has been at Arsenal since the age of seven, making his first-team debut in 2018 after progressing through the levels.
The England winger's excellent performances have earned him several accolades. He was named the Arsenal Player of the Month for December 2019 and December 2020 and the Premier League Player of the Month for July 2020. He was also named in the 2020 PFA Premier League Team of the Year and was the runner-up for the 2020 Arsenal Player of the Season.
Saka is known for his versatility, technical ability, and exceptional work rate on the field. At just 5'10", he compensates for his lack of physicality with his quick feet and agility.
For England, Saka has become an integral part of the team, having made his debut for the Three Lions in October 2020. He was a part of England's 2020 Euro campaign, playing in five of their seven games.
Off the field, Saka is known for his humility and down-to-earth personality. He is a big advocate for social justice and equality, and has spoken out about the need to tackle racism in football and society as a whole.
Here are 13 interesting facts about Saka that you absolutely need to know.
Getty ImagesNigerian roots
Saka was born in Ealing, Greater London, to a Yoruba Nigerian parents Adenike and Yomi Saka.
Both of his parents are Nigerian and migrated to London for work. He is the younger of the two children of the couple.
The English superstar attended Greenwood high school and had very good grades in his GCSEs, achieving four A*s and three As.
AdvertisementHappiness in the name
Saka's name has a meaning that matches his personality.
His name "Bukayo" originates from the Yoruba language spoken in southern Nigeria, meaning "adds to happiness".
The winger has a reputation of being a jolly figure in the dressing room and is adored by the fans and teammates alike.
GettyLittle Chili for teammates
Saka is referred to as the 'Little Chilli' among his teammates, a nickname given to him by former Arsenal striker, Pierre-Emrick Aubameyang.
"It started from Auba," Saka said in a press conference, per "He said it in French.
"We're doing one finishing drill one time in training and he kept saying it, and I kept scoring, I was shooting with so much power and he was calling me little chilli in French [petit piment].
"I didn't know what it was. I asked him after and he told it means little chilli. From then on he kept calling me it and then it became a thing, and now it's a big thing, a lot of people call me it, and make it my nickname.”
GettyFaith in Christianity
Saka grew up in a Christian household and attended The Edward Betham Church of England Primary School, which has a strong Christian ethos. His family regularly prays for his success.
“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," he revealed.
“I hold onto God’s promises such as the scripture ‘Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours’.
"So before every game I ask God to help me play well, help my team and try to score a goal or assist a goal and he answers my prayers so this is why I point to the sky to thank him.” (via PremierChristianity)