Bukayo Saka’s story is a rollercoaster ride of emotions and triumphs – from the heartbreak of missing a penalty in the final of the 2020 European Championship to an unexpected friendship with eight-year-old Teddy. Playing at an online casino is in the same spirit – win once, lose once. But cashback bonuses allow players to recoup a certain percentage of their net losses automatically. Read more about it here, and as we delve into Saka’s school days of impeccable behavior and academic excellence, his love for soccer, dancing and his roots become clear. The dilemma of having to choose between England and Nigeria adds another layer to his narrative and reveals a deep connection to his heritage.
From Missing Penalty to Finding Friendship
Do you remember how terrible the Euro 2020 final against Italy was for Bukayo Saka? In the penalty shootout, the 19-year-old midfielder was the last man to shoot, even though he had never missed a penalty in his career. Gianluigi Donnarumma missed it and Italy went on to win the European Championship.
Bukayo’s tears were painful to see. He was consoled by the whole team.
A few days later, Saka received a letter from Teddy, a fourth-generation Arsenal fan. He is now eight years old. “I hope you are not sad anymore,” Teddy wrote. – “If you were around, I’d buy you an ice cream with my pocket money and then we’d play soccer in the park and I’d let you win”.
Saka was so touched that he wanted to meet Teddy in person. Teddy knew nothing and thought he and his family were just going on a tour of the Emirates. As he was being photographed in the changing room, Saka came in and asked, “Do you want ice cream, Teddy? Chocolate or strawberry?” Teddy replied: “Strawberry.”
“When I saw him, I thought it was just someone who looked a lot like him,” the boy later recounted. – I could not believe it was really him”
School Years
Bukayo Saka grew up in west London. Every day he said a prayer and asked God for success: “Heavenly Father, you have given me a new day. Help me to shape it in a way that pleases you and I will do my best. Amen.” He goes to church regularly and reads the Bible every night before going to bed because it “gives happiness and peace of mind”
Saka has studied for straight A’s – he has four A*s (with an asterisk, 9 out of 9) and three A’s (7-8 out of 9) in his GCSEs. Teachers say he has never skipped class and has always handed in his homework on time. “Bukayo’s behavior was impeccable,” Mark Harvey, who taught PE in Saki’s class, recalled in an interview with The Times. – He was a model student; he had no behavior problems at all. All the teachers spoke very highly of him”
Saka was not just good at soccer – he was the best player in his age group at Greenford Tennis Club, set a school record in the long jump and was an excellent dancer.
Difficult England-Nigeria Choyce
By the time Saka turned 19, he was already playing regularly for Arsenal. He had to choose between the English and Nigerian national teams.
“I am very proud of my roots,” Saka said in an interview with Sky Sports after making his debut for England in October 2020. – I often watch Nigeria games, wish the team well and support them a lot. But I have seen the progress of the England team and thought they will achieve great things in the future. I think I did the right thing. My father was born here, my mother in Nigeria, but they both grew up there and met there.”
“It would have been very difficult to choose Nigeria over England,” Bukayo said in an interview with Own Goal Nigeria in March 2021. – My family has lived in England for what feels like forever. It would be difficult for me to adapt to a team whose players have grown up in a different atmosphere. All my documents have said that I am English since I was a child. I hope the people in Nigeria will understand me”
Although Saka has refused to play for the Nigerian national team, he has not forgotten his roots. In November 2022, for example, Bukayo financed operations for 120 children from the region who were suffering from hernias and brain tumors.
“I feel very happy that I can contribute to improving the lives of these children,” said Saka. – I still feel very connected to Nigeria. It is very important to me that every child has a chance to realize their dreams.”
Victory Will Come
Before the World Cup, Teddy wrote another letter to Bukayo. “Just think of victory and it will come to you,” the boy summarized.
In the symphony of Bukayo Saka’s life, Teddy’s letters and unwavering commitment to personal and philanthropic causes ring like a melody of resilience. As Saka continues to win victories on and off the field, his journey is a testament to the transformative power of compassion, dreams and the enduring spirit of a young football player whose impact goes far beyond the goals he scores.