World Cup 2026 · Best player in World Cup 2026?

Bukayo Saka

Little Chilli from Ealing

Right Winger

Position

Arsenal

Club

England

Nation

Age

Biography

Born in Ealing, London to Nigerian parents, Bukayo Saka joined Arsenal academy at 7. He made his Arsenal debut at 17 and has been one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League ever since. Known for his reliability, creativity and leadership, he has been Arsenal Player of the Season multiple times. He missed the crucial penalty in Euro 2020 final shootout but responded by becoming Englands most important player at Euro 2024.

Bukayo Saka

Little Chilli from Ealing

Right Winger · England

Trophies & Honours

🏆

FA Cup

2020 · Arsenal

🏆

Community Shield

2023 · Arsenal

🏆

PFA Young Player of the Year x2

2022 & 2023 · Individual

The Venue

Arsenal

Premier League · England

Saka is the heartbeat of Mikel Arteta Arsenal. His work rate, quality and leadership make him the first name on the teamsheet. Arsenal have been the best team in England when he plays.

Career Stats

220

Club Matches

Club Goals

0.31

Goals per Game

Club Assists

National Team Matches

National Team Goals

0.36

Goals per Game (NT)

140M EUR

Market Value

Career Timeline

2018

Arsenal

Professional debut at 17 - immediately showed his quality

2020

Arsenal

FA Cup winner - contributed goals and assists throughout the run

2021

England NT

Euro 2020 finalist - missed the crucial penalty in the shootout against Italy

2022

Arsenal

PFA Young Player of the Year - best young player in England

2024

Arsenal

Champions League semi-finalist - Arsenal best player throughout the campaign

Best Matches

Premier Leaguevs Liverpool2-22023-04-02

Two goals including a stunning long-range strike. Englands most complete player on the day.

Champions Leaguevs Porto1-02024-03-12

Scored the only goal. Man of the match. Arsenal through to the quarter-finals.

Euro 2024vs Serbia1-02024-06-16

Scored the winner. Englands best player in the group stage. Redeemed himself after Euro 2020.

Records & Milestones

★

Only player to win PFA Young Player of the Year in consecutive seasons (2022-23)

★

Most goal contributions by an Arsenal player in a single Premier League season

★

Youngest player to make 100 Premier League appearances for Arsenal

Characteristics

Right winger who combines technical quality with remarkable work rate. Saka cuts inside from the right onto his left foot but is equally effective playing direct. His consistency is his greatest quality.

Strengths

✓Consistency

✓Work rate

✓Technical quality

✓Leadership

✓Versatility

Weaknesses

✕Aerial duels

✕Long-range shooting

✕Injury susceptibility

Did You Know?

Saka missed the crucial penalty in the Euro 2020 final against Italy, aged just 19. He faced horrific racist abuse online but returned stronger than ever.

His nickname Little Chilli was given to him by teammates at Arsenal for his fiery personality and willingness to take on defenders.

He has Nigerian heritage through both parents. He has spoken about how his faith and family kept him grounded during the racist abuse after Euro 2020.

Saka joined Arsenal academy at 7 years old and has never played for any other professional club - a rarity in modern football.

Arsenal offered him a new contract every year since 2021. His current deal makes him one of the highest-paid players in Arsenal history.

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