The Making of a Premier League Star
Walking into the Emirates Stadium on matchday, you can feel the buzz of anticipation whenever number 7 gets the ball. "Saka! Saka!" The chant echoes around the ground. Few players have captured our imagination quite like Bukayo.
Let us take you back to where it all began. In November 2018, the team sheet for our Europa League match against Vorskla Poltava featured an unfamiliar name: Bukayo Saka. Little did any of us know we were witnessing the first chapter of something very special. Check our this video for some photo memories https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuBFtihejRk&t=13s
From Local Parks to Hale End
Born in Ealing on 5 September 2001 to Nigerian parents, Bukayo started kicking a ball around on concrete pitches in West London parks. His talents didn't go unnoticed for long—Arsenal scouts spotted him while he was playing for Greenford Celtic at just seven years old.
After joining Hale End at nine, Saka quickly became the talk of the academy. One of his youth coaches said: "Some kids have skill, some have intelligence, but rarely do you see both in such abundance." That combination set him apart from day one.
The 2018/19 season saw Saka tear up the youth leagues. Eight goals in five starts for the U18s doesn't tell the whole story – it was the manner in which he played, with a maturity that belied his years. While coaching our youth teams then, Freddie Ljungberg couldn't stop singing his praises in interviews.
Thrown in at the Deep End
Saka's breakthrough season wasn't straightforward. With Arsenal facing an injury crisis at left back in 2019/20, he was chucked into an unfamiliar defensive role and not only did he cope, he thrived. We recall a particularly January night at Bournemouth in the FA Cup, where Saka scored a screamer with his weaker foot. The away end went ballistic. That's when it became clear – this lad was different.
When Mikel Arteta arrived in December 2019, he quickly identified Saka as central to his plans. By July 2020, Saka signed a new contract, and sighs of relief could be heard across North London.
Becoming Arsenal's Main Man
The 2020/21 campaign established Saka as our go-to Player. He was a consistent bright spot in a season where Arsenal generally struggled.
His Player of the Season award was the easiest vote in years. No player so young had won it since Fabregas – pretty illustrious company to keep.
Then came that summer of 2021. The country rallied behind England at the Euros, and Saka emerged as one of Southgate's surprise packages. His performances against Germany and the Czech Republic had us all believing. Then the final happened.
We'll never forget watching him step up for that penalty against Italy. The silence, the collective gasp, the heartbreak. The vile abuse that followed made us sick to our stomachs.
Rising from Adversity
Lesser players would have crumbled after that penalty miss. Not Bukayo. He returned to Arsenal with a renewed hunger that was palpable. The 2021/22 season saw him reach new heights – 12 goals, seven assists, and moments of magic that had the Emirates crowd on their feet.
The way fans rallied around him after the Euros spoke volumes. His reception in his first game back against Brentford gave us goosebumps. He responded by becoming even better.
By 2022/23, Saka wasn't just our best Player – he was the heartbeat of Arteta's title-challenging side. Though we ultimately fell short of City, watching him form that lethal partnership with Martinelli and Ødegaard made being an Arsenal fan fun again after some pretty lean years.
Reaching New Heights
Last season, Saka elevated his game even further. The numbers don't lie – 16 Premier League goals, nine assists – but they only tell half the story. It's the moments that stick with us: the way he terrorised Liverpool's defence at the Emirates, his hat-trick against Burnley, the crucial winner at Villa Park.
In October 2023, he sat as captain of Arsenal for the first time against Sheffield United. At just 22, watching him lead the team out filled us with immense pride. The armband fit perfectly.
His 200th appearance for the club came later that season – making him the fourth-youngest Player in our history to reach that milestone. It's not bad for a lad who could still theoretically be in university.
European Nights Under the Lights
This season has been something else entirely. Arsenal's return to the Champions League coincided with Saka reaching world-class levels. The quarter-final against Real
Madrid will forever be etched in our memory.
After the first leg 3-0 win at home, we travelled to Madrid with cautious optimism. We feared the worst when Saka missed that early penalty at the Bernabéu. But minutes later, he picked up the ball on the right wing, cut inside, and curled one into the far corner. Perfection! Our voices were gone for days afterwards.
That night in Madrid showed everything that makes Saka special—not just his undeniable talent but also his mental fortitude. The way he bounced back from that penalty miss epitomised his character.
What Makes Him Special
What sets Saka apart? It's not just his close control or wicked left foot it's his decision-making. While many young players rush their choices, Saka operates slowly, always picking the right option. He knows when to drive at defenders when to release the ball when to shoot, and when to cross.
His movement off the ball is equally impressive. He finds pockets of space that others don't even see. And unlike many modern wingers, he contributes defensively, too – we've lost count of the number of times he's tracked back to make crucial interventions.
Arsène Wenger – who knows a thing or two about talent – summed it up perfectly when he visited the Emirates last year: "What strikes me about Saka is that he almost always makes the right choice, which is incredibly rare for a player of his age."
Beyond Football
When we met Saka briefly at a club event last year, we were struck by his humility. Despite his fame, he's remarkably grounded—speaking softly, taking time with fans, and showing genuine appreciation for support.
Many players would have retreated or lashed out after the racial abuse they faced following the Euros. Saka's response showed extraordinary dignity. His call for social media accountability came without bitterness—just a calm determination to ensure others wouldn't face the same treatment.
His community work goes largely unreported – which seems to be how he prefers it. A friend who works with local schools tells us Saka has quietly supported several initiatives for underprivileged kids in North London, never seeking publicity.
What Comes Next?
At 23, Saka's ceiling remains frighteningly high. With a reported market value of around €150 million, he's become one of world football's most coveted talents. Thank goodness he signed that new contract last summer!
As Arsenal continues building under Arteta, Saka is undoubtedly the cornerstone of our future. Individual accolades will surely follow – we wouldn't be surprised to see him in Ballon d'Or conversations in coming years.
His story is so compelling that it still feels like the beginning. We're watching the early chapters of what promises to be an extraordinary career.
A Throwback in Modern Football
In an era where player loyalty seems increasingly rare and transfers dominate headlines, Saka's journey offers something refreshingly different. From Hale End to Emirates hero, his rise reminds us why academy players hold a special place in fans' hearts.
We've seen countless talents come and go over the years, from our days at Highbury to our current home in Block 6 at the Emirates. But something tells us Bukayo Saka will define Arsenal's next era. The boy whose name means "adds to happiness" has certainly lived up to that promise.
Next time you're at the Emirates, watch him closely, not just with the ball, but without it. Watch his movement, his awareness, his intelligence. You're witnessing something special.
The journey from those concrete London pitches to Champions League nights has been remarkable. And the most exciting part? We suspect it's only just beginning. Looking for a shirt to show your love for Saka? https://www.forevergooner.com/collections/s-a-k-a