Hello, Football fans! If you love following the Football and admire world-class, Bukayo Saka is a name you’ll recognize instantly. Bukayo Saka is a 24‑year‑old English professional footballer who plays mainly as a right winger for Arsenal and the England national team, and going into 2026 he is one of the club’s highest‑paid and most important players. He has a long‑term contract at Arsenal, a rapidly growing net worth driven by salary and big endorsements, and is engaged to long‑time partner Tolami Benson.
Bukayo Saka’s Biography
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Bukayo Ayoyinka Temidayo Saka |
| Nickname | Starboy, Little Chilli |
| Date of Birth | September 5, 2001 |
| Age | 24 years |
| Place of Birth | Ealing, Greater London, England |
| Education | Edward Betham Church of England Primary School, Greenford High School |
| Religion | Christian |
| Nationality | English |
| Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) |
| Weight | 72 kg (143 lbs) |
| Turned Professional | September 2018 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $30 million |
| Annual Salary | £13 million per year / £250,000 per week |
| Relationship Status | Engaged |
| Fiancée | Tolami Benson |
| Children | N/A |
| @bukayosaka87 |
Early Career
Bukayo’s football story started in the streets of West London with local club Greenford Celtic. Before Arsenal came calling, he spent a brief stint with Watford’s youth system. But at age seven, Arsenal’s famous Hale End academy spotted something special in the young winger and brought him in.
Even as a kid, coaches noticed his incredible decision-making and physical attributes that set him apart from his peers. He wasn’t just talented with the ball at his feet, he was smart about when to dribble and when to pass. By age 17, Saka signed his first professional contract with Arsenal in September 2018 and was immediately promoted to the under-23 squad.
Professional Career
Saka’s senior debut came sooner than most expected. On November 29, 2018, he stepped onto the pitch in a UEFA Europa League match against Vorskla Poltava, coming on as a substitute. Just weeks later, on January 1, 2019, he made history by becoming the first player born in 2001 to appear in a Premier League match when he featured against Fulham. The 2019-20 season marked his true breakthrough.
Initially deployed as a left-back due to injuries in the squad, Saka proved his versatility and attacking quality, eventually moving forward to left wing where he truly flourished. He scored his first senior goal against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League, finishing that match with two assists as well. By the season’s end, he played a crucial role in Arsenal’s FA Cup triumph and earned massive respect from fans and teammates alike.
Engaged
Love is definitely in the air for Bukayo Saka. In November 2025, the Arsenal star popped the question to his longtime girlfriend Tolami Benson during a romantic evening at a luxury London hotel. The couple, both 24 years old, have been together since 2020 but kept their relationship mostly private for years. They first went public during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar when Tolami was spotted cheering for Saka from the stands. She’s been his biggest supporter ever since, attending major matches including Euro 2024 where she wore a jacket with his original Arsenal squad number 87.
Tolami Benson, originally from Hatfield, studied Public Relations and Media at Birmingham University and currently works as a senior planning executive in London. According to sources, Saka went all out for the proposal, presenting an “incredibly large” engagement ring that left Tolami completely blown away. The couple has shared their engagement photos on Instagram, and they’re now planning their future together. Wedding bells are expected to ring sometime after major football tournaments, possibly in summer 2026. As of now, the couple has no children but they’re clearly building a strong foundation for their life together.
Bukayo Saka’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Bukayo Saka’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $30 million USD. This substantial wealth derives from multiple revenue streams including his massive Arsenal salary, international football earnings, significant endorsement deals, and various investment portfolios. His recent contract extension significantly accelerated his wealth accumulation, with his new five-year deal worth approximately £300,000 per week representing unprecedented earning power for an Arsenal player. The contract extension alone will generate close to £80 million in base salary over five years.
Contract Details
Bukayo Saka’s current contract with Arsenal is a testament to how much the club values him. On May 23, 2023, the young star signed a four-year contract extension that keeps him at the Emirates Stadium until June 30, 2027. The deal was reportedly worth around £60 million in total, with a base salary of £195,000 per week initially, though that figure has since increased to approximately £250,000 per week when including performance bonuses and incentives. This works out to roughly £13 million per year, making him one of the club’s top earners.
The contract came at a crucial time when Arsenal was pushing for their first Premier League title since 2004. Manager Mikel Arteta and the board made securing Saka’s future a top priority, recognizing that he represents both the present and future of the club. There’s no release clause in his contract, meaning any club wanting to sign him would have to negotiate directly with Arsenal, and the Gunners have made it clear he’s not for sale at any price.
As of 2026, Arsenal is reportedly in advanced talks about extending Saka’s contract even further. New sporting director Andrea Berta has made this his top priority since joining the club. The proposed extension would run until 2030 or 2031 and could see Saka’s salary increase to around £300,000 per week, which would make him Arsenal’s highest-paid player ever. Both the player and club are eager to get the deal done, with Saka having repeatedly expressed his desire to win trophies at Arsenal and leave a lasting legacy.
Career Earnings
Here’s a breakdown of Bukayo Saka’s estimated career earnings from Arsenal throughout the years:
| Season | Weekly Wage | Annual Salary | Age | Contract Status |
| 2018-19 | £100 | £5,200 | 16-17 | Academy |
| 2019-20 | £5,500 | £286,000 | 17-18 | First professional contract |
| 2020-21 | £33,000 | £1,716,000 | 18-19 | Rising star |
| 2021-22 | £33,000 | £1,716,000 | 19-20 | Player of the Season |
| 2022-23 | £53,000 | £2,756,000 | 20-21 | Increased responsibility |
| 2023-24 | £250,000 | £13,000,000 | 21-22 | New contract extension |
| 2024-25 | £250,000 | £13,000,000 | 22-23 | Established star |
| 2025-26 | £250,000 | £13,000,000 | 23-24 | Key player |
Endorsements
Bukayo Saka’s marketability has exploded in recent years. Here are his major brand partnerships:
- New Balance – Signed as a boot sponsor in March 2021, Saka wears their Furon boots and features in marketing campaigns
- Beats by Dre – Partnered with the audio brand in June 2023 for promotional content
- Burberry – Became a brand ambassador for the luxury British fashion house in November 2023
- Call of Duty – Featured in promotions for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 in October 2022
- Nando’s – Created his own signature sauce “Peri-Peri Saka” available in UK restaurants (March 2024)
- Dirt Is Good (Unilever) – Global ambassador for the laundry brand through Arsenal’s partnership (2024)
- EA Sports – Regular features in FIFA/FC video game promotions
These endorsement deals reportedly earn Saka several million pounds annually beyond his playing salary, significantly boosting his overall income and building his personal brand as one of football’s most marketable young stars.
Career Records
| Achievement | Details |
| Arsenal Player of the Season | 2020-21, 2021-22 (first since Thierry Henry to win back-to-back) |
| England Men’s Player of the Year | 2021-22, 2022-23 (consecutive wins) |
| PFA Young Player of the Year | 2022-23 |
| Premier League Appearances | 213 matches (7th youngest to reach 200 appearances at 24 years, 29 days) |
| Total Career Statistics | 298 appearances, 81 goals, 121 assists (all competitions) |
| Premier League Stats | 57 goals, 47 assists in 213 games |
| England Caps | 48 appearances, 14 goals for the senior national team |
| Fastest Arsenal Player to 50 PL Goals | Achieved at 22 years old (February 2024) |
| Most Consecutive PL Appearances (Arsenal) | Holds club record for consecutive league games played |
| Champions League Record | First player to score and assist in first three home UCL games (November 2023) |
| Trophies Won | FA Cup (2020), Community Shield (2020, 2023), Euro 2020 Runner-up, Euro 2024 Runner-up |
FAQs
1. What does Bukayo Saka’s name mean?
Bukayo’s name comes from the Yoruba language spoken in southern Nigeria, and it translates to “adds to happiness” or “adds to joy.” His parents, who are Nigerian immigrants, gave him this traditional name, and it perfectly captures the joy he brings to football fans. His full name is Bukayo Ayoyinka Temidayo Saka, with each part carrying significant meaning in Yoruba culture.
2. Why is Bukayo Saka called “Starboy”?
The nickname “Starboy” emerged organically from Arsenal fans during his breakout 2019-20 season. It likely references The Weeknd’s 2016 hit song of the same name and perfectly captures Saka’s rise from academy prospect to first-team star. Interestingly, Saka himself doesn’t use the nickname due to his humble nature, but he appreciates how lovingly fans use it. His teammates, including captain Martin Odegaard, regularly call him “Starboy.”
3. Has Bukayo Saka ever suffered major injuries?
Yes, Saka’s biggest injury concern came in December 2024 when he suffered a hamstring strain against Crystal Palace. He underwent surgery and was sidelined for over two months, missing crucial matches during Arsenal’s title challenge. The injury was particularly worrying as it was a recurrence of hamstring issues he’d experienced earlier. He returned to action in late March 2025 and has since managed his fitness carefully to avoid similar problems.
4. What position does Bukayo Saka play?
While Saka is now known as a right winger, he’s incredibly versatile. He started his Arsenal career playing left-back and left wing-back during the 2019-20 season due to injury crises. He’s also played left wing, attacking midfield, and even central midfield positions. However, since 2021, he’s primarily operated as a right winger where he can cut inside onto his stronger left foot to create and score goals.
5. How good was Bukayo Saka as a student?
Saka was an exceptional student at Greenford High School, achieving four A* grades and three A grades in his GCSEs while simultaneously developing his football career at Arsenal’s academy. His teachers described him as a “model student” who was academically sound across all subjects. He attended Edward Betham Primary School before Greenford High and managed to balance his education with training, showing the discipline and intelligence that now defines his football career.
6. Who is Tolami Benson, Bukayo Saka’s fiancée?
Tolami Benson is a 24-year-old professional who works as a senior planning executive in London. Originally from Hatfield, she studied Public Relations and Media at Birmingham University. She also has Nigerian Yoruba roots like Saka. The couple has been together since 2020 but kept their relationship private until 2022. She’s a regular presence at Saka’s matches for both Arsenal and England and got engaged to him in November 2025 at a luxury London hotel.
7. What is Bukayo Saka’s “Peri-Peri Saka” sauce?
In March 2024, Saka collaborated with Nando’s restaurant chain to create his own signature hot sauce called “Peri-Peri Saka.” The sauce combines his love of smoky BBQ flavors with tomato and Nando’s distinctive peri-peri heat. It was available as a limited edition in all UK and Ireland Nando’s restaurants. The collaboration played perfectly into his “Little Chilli” nickname and came with a marketing campaign featuring Saka as “Head Chef” in promotional videos.
8. How many times has Bukayo Saka represented England?
As of January 2026, Saka has earned 48 senior caps for England and scored 14 goals. He made his senior debut in October 2020 against Wales at age 19. He’s represented England at two European Championships (Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, both ending as runner-up) and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He’s the most-capped Arsenal player in the current England squad and has won England Men’s Player of the Year twice consecutively in 2022 and 2023.
9. What makes Bukayo Saka so special as a player?
Saka’s combination of attributes makes him special. He possesses exceptional dribbling ability, creativity, and work rate. What sets him apart is his decision-making—he knows exactly when to take on defenders and when to pass. His two-footedness (despite being naturally left-footed) makes him unpredictable, and his defensive contributions from a winger position are outstanding. Mentally, he’s incredibly mature for his age, showing resilience after setbacks like his penalty miss in the Euro 2020 final. He’s also remarkably consistent, rarely having truly poor performances.
10. Will Bukayo Saka stay at Arsenal long-term?
All signs point to yes. Saka has repeatedly expressed his love for Arsenal and desire to win trophies at the club. He’s an academy graduate who bleeds Arsenal red and white. His current contract runs until 2027, but the club is actively working on a new extension that could keep him at the Emirates until 2030 or beyond. Manager Mikel Arteta has said Saka wants to “leave a legacy” at Arsenal, and the club considers him untouchable and non-transferable regardless of offers from other clubs.