Bukayo Saka is often referred to as ‘Star boy’ by Arsenal fans and is one of the brightest prospects in the English Premier League. Rising through the ranks at Arsenal, he has become an indispensable player under coach Mikel Arteta.
Born on September 5, 2001, Saka plays as a right winger for Premier League club Arsenal and is 23 years old. He was born in Ealing, Greater London, to Yoruba Nigerian parents, Adenike and Yomi Saka, who emigrated to London from Nigeria. Saka attended Edward Betham Church of England Primary School before Greenford High School, where he achieved high grades in his GCSEs. His name “Bukayo” originates from the Yoruba language, meaning “adds to happiness.”
Saka is a practising Christian and has stated that he reads the Bible every night. Raised in a Christian family, he has openly spoken about his faith, often referencing it on social media and in public settings. His Instagram bio includes the phrase “God’s child.”
Saka has been in a relationship with Tolami Benson since 2020. Benson, 23, studied Public Relations and Media studies at Birmingham City University and works in Public Relations. She is active on social media and has been seen at Arsenal matches and other events.
Saka made his debut for Arsenal in 2018, but his breakthrough came during the 2019-2020 season. He scored his first goal on September 19 in a Europa League match against Eintracht Frankfurt, where he also provided two assists in a 3–0 win. His first Premier League start came in a 3–2 victory over Aston Villa, and he later assisted Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s equaliser in a 1–1 draw against Manchester United.
Following injuries to key players, Saka established himself as a regular in the first team, often playing at left-back. He ended the season with 12 assists, proving his versatility and value to the squad. During the 2020-21 season, he scored seven goals and provided seven assists in 46 appearances, earning Arsenal’s Player of the Season award. The following season, he finished as Arsenal’s top scorer and was nominated for the Premier League Player of the Season, Premier League Young Player of the Season, and PFA Young Player of the Year.
In the 2022-23 season, Saka continued to shine, playing a pivotal role in Arsenal’s title challenge. He was named Premier League Player of the Month in March 2023 and won the PFA Young Player of the Year award. On February 11, 2024, he became the youngest Arsenal player to score 50 Premier League goals after netting a brace in a 6–0 win over West Ham.
Saka was first called up to the England senior squad on October 1, 2020, making his debut in a 3–0 win against Wales. He scored his first international goal in a 1–0 victory over Austria. At UEFA EURO 2020, he took England’s fifth penalty in the final against Italy, but his effort was saved, resulting in a loss. He faced racial abuse online following the match.
At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he scored twice in England’s 6–2 victory over Iran in the opening game. On June 19, 2023, he netted his first career hat-trick in a 7–0 win over North Macedonia in Euro 2024 qualifying.
With his rapid rise in football, Saka has earned significant wealth. In May 2023, he signed a new contract with Arsenal, earning approximately £10.1 million per year, or nearly £200,000 per week. His estimated net worth is over £10 million, solidifying his status as one of the richest young footballers in the world.
