Beyond the Pitch: Bukayo Saka’s Journey Unveiled on BBC Sport’s ‘The Football Interview’
Prepare to delve deeper into the lives of your favorite sporting and entertainment icons! BBC Sport is thrilled to announce its captivating new series, ‘The Football Interview’. Hosted by the insightful Kelly Somers, this series goes beyond the ninety minutes on the pitch, offering bold and in-depth conversations with the biggest names in the nation’s most beloved sport. Expect candid discussions on mindset, motivation, defining career moments, and deeply personal reflections, bringing you closer to the individual behind the footballing hero.
Interviews from ‘The Football Interview’ will be released every Saturday across BBC iPlayer, BBC Sounds, and the official BBC Sport website. This week, football fans in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland can catch a special broadcast on BBC One.
Bukayo Saka: From Hale End to Global Icon
Kicking off this exciting series is none other than Arsenal and England superstar, Bukayo Saka. At just 24 years old, Saka has already etched his name into the annals of football history. Joining Arsenal’s prestigious academy at seven, he has evolved into a first-team cornerstone, boasting an impressive 76 goals in 277 appearances and earning the adoration of the Emirates faithful. A vital part of the Arsenal squads that reached the 2019 Europa League final and secured the 2020 FA Cup, Saka has also been instrumental in England’s journey to consecutive European Championship finals.
With Arsenal currently leading the Premier League and eyeing their first league title since 2004, this season could add another glorious chapter to Saka’s burgeoning career. The club is reportedly confident about securing the England winger on a new long-term contract, a testament to his immense value and future potential. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta recently praised Saka, stating, “I am very aware that he wants to continue with us. I think it’s a very healthy and powerful relationship… The journey that he has had at the club, and what he has become, is something we want to maintain.”
The Inevitable Path: “Football is Happiness”
In his revealing chat with Kelly Somers, Saka shares why football was always his destiny. “Football is happiness to me,” he confesses, explaining that from the moment he discovered the sport, it was his sole ambition. Despite his parents’ sensible attempts to ensure a ‘plan B,’ Saka’s conviction remained unwavering: “in my head, you know, it was only football.”
His earliest memories of the game paint a vivid picture of passion: intense 2v1 matches in the back garden against his older brother and father. Saka humorously recalls his refusal to lose, even resorting to tears as a four or five-year-old. His formative years included playing for Greenford Celtic, where he cherishes memories of muddy boots, local parks, and the “proper football” experience.
Arsenal’s Embrace: A Dream Realized
Saka’s bond with Arsenal Football Club runs deep. He recounts the pivotal moment his father presented him with a scout card, leading to a trial at Hale End. Far from nervous, young Bukayo simply enjoyed the game, performing so brilliantly that he was swiftly moved to the ‘A’ team and signed. The choice, while made by his father, was rooted in a profound belief in Arsenal’s pathway, particularly under Arsène Wenger’s emphasis on academy development, and the club’s renowned class and playing style.
Playing for the club he supported as a child is, for Saka, “a dream come true.” He reflects on the surreal transition from watching games in the stands to being the one on the pitch, a journey shared with his family who now cheer for him.
The Hard Truth of Making It
The path to professional football is notoriously difficult. Saka vividly remembers a stark lesson from his academy coach, Greg Lincoln, who told a successful team, “only one of you is going to make it, maybe even two.” For Saka, this wasn’t a deterrent but a powerful motivator. “It made it so clear to me that this is not going to be all perfect and roses forever. You have to work for this.”
Mentors and Mates: Shaping a Star
Transitioning into the first team can be daunting, but Saka found crucial support from experienced teammates. He singles out David Luiz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who, despite being his “heroes,” went out of their way to welcome the quiet youngster. Their advice, confidence, and encouragement were instrumental in helping Saka find his footing and express himself on the pitch.
Beyond the Boots: The Man Behind the Legend
Kelly Somers also dives into Bukayo Saka’s life away from the roar of the crowd, revealing a thoughtful and grounded individual.
Roots and Routines
Proud of his Nigerian heritage – his full name is Bukayo Moses Ayoyinka Temidayo Saka – he shares how his parents’ values, instilled during their upbringing in Nigeria, deeply influence him. Childhood memories include unique breakfast rituals: a Frankfurter sausage, cut up and tucked into a hot cross bun with ketchup. Academically bright, Saka achieved an impressive four A*s and four A’s in his GCSEs, showcasing a keen intellect beyond his footballing prowess.
His ideal day off reveals a love for quiet introspection: morning walks in nature, followed by good food with loved ones in London, and perhaps a spot of shopping. He values time to himself, especially after realizing the importance of balance following an injury last season.
A Part-Time Barista in the Making
Beyond football, Saka has embraced a new passion: coffee making. “I’m into my coffee era,” he quips, jokingly calling himself a “part-time barista.” He’s currently mastering the challenging art of latte design and plans to take lessons, proving that even global superstars find joy in everyday pursuits.
Reflections and Aspirations
When asked about his proudest moment, Saka humbly points to his current position, acknowledging the “ups and downs, challenges, setbacks” he’s overcome to be where he is today – “going strong, still focused, motivated and happy.” This perspective, he explains, has evolved, particularly after an injury forced him to step back and realize “there’s a bit more to life than football,” while still acknowledging that “football is my life.”
Looking ahead, Saka’s ambition is clear: “All the trophies – Arsenal and England.” He remains committed to having fun, smiling, and laughing every day, embodying a natural evolution from the quiet academy player to the confident, joyful leader he is today.
Don’t miss Bukayo Saka’s full interview, available on BBC Sport’s ‘The Football Interview’ this Saturday. It’s a rare chance to connect with one of football’s brightest stars on a deeply personal level.
