Bukayo Ayoyinka Temidayo Saka, widely known as Bukayo Saka, born 5 September 2001 in Ealing, London, is an English professional footballer who has cemented himself as Arsenal’s indispensable star since entering the senior squad in 2018. Seen as one of the planet’s premier wingers, he dazzles with blistering speed, relentless energy, and prolific contributions, claiming Arsenal Player of the Season in 2020–21 and 2021–22.
Profile Summary
| Full name | Bukayo Ayoyinka Temidayo Saka |
| Date of birth | 5 September 2001 |
| Place of birth | Ealing, London, England |
| Nationality | English |
| Partner | Tolami Benson (fiancée) |
| Children | None |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (178 cm) |
| Occupations | Professional footballer |
| Club | Arsenal |
| Position | Right winger |
| Jersey number | 7 |
| Net worth and salary | ~£15–20M net worth; £300k+/week salary (2026 contract) |
Early Life and Education
Brought up in Ealing by Nigerian Yoruba parents Adenike and Yomi Saka, who are economic migrants. He is the younger of two siblings. He attended Edward Betham Church of England Primary School and Greenford High School, where he secured four Ass and three As at GCSE. Before entering Arsenal’s academy aged seven, he played for Greenford Celtic, crediting his father for fostering humility.
Career
Saka’s Arsenal bow came in 2018 against Vorskla Poltava, but 2019–20 marked his breakthrough with vital assists, debut goals, and a role in the FA Cup success; he logged 40 appearances that season. By 2020–21, shifted permanently to right wing, he notched 16 goal involvements in the league despite injuries, earning Player of the Season honors amid Arsenal’s Europa League final run.
In 2021–22, Saka elevated further with 20 goal contributions across all competitions, including playoffs for Europa League qualification, repeating his individual accolade. The 2022–23 campaign saw him peak at 25 league goal involvements (14 goals, 11 assists), driving Arsenal’s surprise title challenge to within two points of Manchester City; his 100th Premier League game came early that season, and he set a club record with 83 straight league starts by August.
Arsenal’s 2023–24 push faltered late, but Saka still delivered 20 goal involvements (16 goals, 9 assists in 35 games), battling hamstring issues. Entering 2024–25, he opened with a goal versus Wolves, added strikes against Tottenham and Manchester City draws, and hit double figures by October amid Champions League group stage play (1 goal, 1 assist in early matches like vs. Atalanta and PSG).
By early 2026, post-new contract, recent form included assists in Champions League wins over Inter and league outings versus Chelsea and Nottingham Forest; career totals stand at over 220 league appearances, 60+ goals, with England duty featuring 42 senior caps and 12 goals (including Euro 2020 penalty redemption, 2022 World Cup opener, Euro 2024 semis).
Personal Life
A devoted Christian reading the Bible nightly, Saka values privacy. He began dating Tolami Benson around 2020, leading to a lavish London engagement in late 2025, though they have no children. Drawing from idols Thierry Henry and Alexis Sánchez, he ventured into business with a 2024 peri-peri sauce launch.
Net Worth and Salary
His fortune hovers at £15–20 million through 2025, amplified by deals and BS7 Rights Limited’s £4.64 million 2024 revenue. February 2026’s five-year Arsenal extension made him the Gunners’ top earner, exceeding £300,000 weekly (from £195,000 prior), equating to about £15.6 million annually.
Honours
Club (Arsenal): FA Cup (2019–20), FA Community Shields (2020, 2023), UEFA Europa League runner-up (2018–19).
International (England): UEFA European Championship runner-up (2020, 2024).
Individual: Arsenal Player of the Season (2020–21, 2021–22), England Men’s Player of the Year (2021–22, 2022–23), PFA Young Player of the Year (2022–23), Premier League Player of the Month (March 2023).
