Bukayo Saka Childhood Story (What you didn’t know)
Bukayo Saka Childhood
Bukayo Ayoyinka Temidayo Saka was born on September 5, 2001, to his mother, Adenike Saka, and his father, Yomi Saka, in the city of London, United Kingdom.
Bukayo Saka’s grandfather studied in the United Kingdom. Additionally, his father ( Yomi Saka ) was born in the United Kingdom. Bukayo Saka’s maternal grandfather was a very successful businessman who lived in one of the wealthiest areas of Lagos.
When he was born, his parents named him “Bukayo,” a unisex name that means “Adds happiness.” This name is commonly used by the Yoruba tribe in southwestern Nigeria. This, by implication, means that Bukayo Saka can trace his family roots back to the Yoruba ethnic group of Nigeria. Saka grew up in the UK capital, London, in an upper-middle-class family.
Like most Nigerians in London, Bukayo Saka’s family was passionate about football.
It was his love for football and an insatiable desire to improve his standard of living that led Bukayo to consider studying football in London.
Bukayo Saka ‘s childhood at Arsenal’s Hale End Academy
With parents who were passionate about football and who supported Arsenal, it was only natural that young Bukayo decided to join the club’s youth academy.
It was Bukayo Saka’s father who took sole responsibility for ensuring that his son remained steadfast and humble in his quest to secure a successful academic test.
Entry into Arsenal’s football academy was only available to truly talented footballers. Since his parents knew Bukayo had what it took, they didn’t hesitate to enroll him.
Fortunately, Arsenal’s academy came calling, and he proved his worth by passing the trials. At that time, his parents and family were proud of him.
Saka started his career at Arsenal’s Hale End Academy at the age of 8. It wasn’t easy, as it was full of sacrifices from him and his parents. In his words,
This fight gave Saka a lot of motivation, which helped him work hard all the time and ensure that he gave his best.
The first contract with the arsenal
In 2020, Arsenal U16 coach ,Trevor Bumstead said: “Bukayo always stood out in the younger teams. He was a fantastic decision-maker. He knew when to beat people and when to pass, and he had brilliant physical attributes and really good character and personality.” When he turned 17, Saka signed a professional contract with Arsenal and was promoted to the under-23s.
On 29 November 2018, Saka made his first-team debut for Arsenal in a UEFA Europa League match against Vorskla Poltava , coming on as a 68th-minute substitute for Aaron Ramsey . On 13 December, Saka made his first home debut for Arsenal in a Europa League match against Qarabağ . On 1 January 2019, Saka made his Premier League debut in a 4–1 win against Fulham after coming on for Alex Iwobi in the 83rd minute. He became the first player born in 2001 to play in a Premier League match. He was an unused substitute in the 2019 UEFA Europa League Final 4–1 defeat against Chelsea on 29 May, collecting a runners-up medal.
Bukayo Saka’s family origins
Bukayo Saka’s deep connection to Nigeria is rooted in his parents, Adenike and Yomi Saka, who hail from the Yoruba ethnic group. Economic migrants seeking better opportunities, they moved to Ealing, South London, in the 1990s. Recent images circulating on social media depict Saka visiting his grandparents in Oro, Kwara State, reflecting his strong ties to his Nigerian roots.
Bukayo Saka mother
Bukayo Saka’s mother, Adenike Saka, is a chartered accountant in London, United Kingdom. She attended Mayflower Secondary School in Lagos for her high school education.
She attended university at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where she studied veterinary medicine. After moving to London in the 1990s, she pursued a degree in accounting at the University of West London.
Adenike Saka has obtained several professional certificates in accounting from the same college since moving to England. As of September 2022, she is working as a Project Accountant – SMIP at O2, a former sponsor of Arsenal.
She also worked on Telefónica’s Smart Metering and Deployment program in London, UK.
Bukayo Saka father
Bukayo Saka’s father, Yomi Saka, maintains a low profile as a businessman with Nigerian roots and Yoruba ethnicity. Residing in Harling, United Kingdom, little is known about him publicly. However, his influence on Saka’s football career is evident, serving as a source of inspiration and guidance.
Bukayo Saka siblings
Bukayo Saka is the youngest of two children. He has an older brother, Abayomi Saka, an aspiring footballer like his brother, who played for English Premier League club Watford as a teenager.
However, he chose to enroll in university and pursue a degree. He is currently pursuing a professional career after obtaining his degree.
Bukayo Saka girlfriend
Saka is dating Tolami Benson, hisrelationship with Saka was confirmed during the 2022 World Cup when she was seen in the family section wearing an England shirt, the couple remain very private. Benson’s social media posts rarely feature Saka and when they do, her face is usually obscured.
