Bukayo Saka is a committed Christian who says his nightly Bible reading gives him calm and confidence. His faith is visible in small ways on and off the pitch, and it shapes how he handles pressure, success, and setbacks.
Quick Profile: Bukayo Saka
| Full name | Bukayo Ayoyinka Temidayo Saka |
| Born | 5 September 2001 |
| Birthplace | Ealing, Greater London, England |
| Nationality | English, of Nigerian Yoruba descent |
| Position | Winger, forward |
| Club | Arsenal FC |
| National team | England |
| Religion | Christian |
| Notable awards | PFA Young Player of the Year 2023, Arsenal Player of the Season 2020 21 and 2021 22 |
Bukayo Saka is one of the most talked about young players in world football. Fans and journalists follow his skill and his story, and his faith is part of that story. He has spoken plainly about reading his Bible each night while on international duty and about trusting God before big matches. Those remarks are not a show for cameras. For Saka, faith gives a steadying confidence that helps him perform at the highest level.
Faith at the Heart of His Story
Bukayo Saka doesn’t just talk about football—he talks about faith. In a 2022 World Cup press conference he said:
“I read my Bible every night… It’s really important to have the presence of God in me all the time and it gives me more confidence to know that God’s plan is perfect so I can go on the pitch and know God has my back.”
His Instagram bio even starts with: “God’s Child 😇”.
Early Life
Saka grew up in Ealing, west London, the son of Nigerian parents who moved to England seeking opportunity. He attended Edward Betham Church of England primary school and later Greenford High School, where he did well academically.
From a young age he combined study with football and joined the Arsenal academy, progressing quickly through the youth ranks. His upbringing was shaped by family, church and local community, which helped form his quiet, grounded temperament.
Career Highlights
Saka broke into Arsenal’s first team as a teenager and became a regular starter because of his work rate, versatility and technical skill. He helped Arsenal compete at the top of the Premier League and became one of England’s most reliable young internationals.
Among his top honours, he won the PFA Young Player of the Year award for the 2022 23 season, and he has been named Arsenal Player of the Season in previous years. His calmness in big moments has been noted by coaches and fans alike.
Religion and public statements about faith
Saka has publicly described his faith in God and said he reads his Bible every night during international tournaments because it helps him keep perspective and confidence.
He said that knowing “God has my back” allows him to play without being consumed by anxiety. These are direct, repeated comments he has made to journalists and they explain why his faith is not just private but practically meaningful to his approach to the game.
On the pitch Saka’s gestures are subtle. He often points to the sky or places a hand on his chest after important moments, small acts that reflect gratitude rather than boastfulness. Off the pitch he shares occasional posts that reference God or gratitude and keeps links to community work and charity in his public activity. Those small signs add up to a clear picture: Saka’s Christianity is personal and steady, not performative.
Personal Life
Born in Ealing, west London to Nigerian-Yoruba parents, Saka grew up with strong family values and a Christian foundation. His mother, Adenike, and father, Yomi, moved to England from Nigeria and prioritized education and character.
He attended Edward Betham Church of England Primary School and later Greenford High School, where Christian values were embedded into his education.
Off the pitch, Saka keeps much of his personal life private, choosing to let his work and values speak. He has been in a long-term relationship with model and public relations professional Tolami Benson since around late 2020. Though they rarely post together publicly, Benson has supported him at major events such as Euro 2024.
Awards and recognition
These honours show how respected Saka is in football, which makes his faith statements more influential to fans:
- PFA Young Player of the Year 2023.
- Arsenal Player of the Season 2020–21 and 2021–22.
- Regular England international appearances, including at the European Championship and World Cup.
- London Football Awards Men’s Young Player of the Year 2023.
- England Men’s Player of the Year 2021–22
