Bukayo Saka is not only a talented player who has undeniably made his mark on the England squad this World Cup but also possesses impressive intelligence off the pitch, exemplified by his school grades as a teenager.
At just 21 years-old, Bukayo Saka boasts 23 caps and seven international goals, with the latest hitting the back of the net in England’s Round of 16 game knock-out against Senegal this week.
The wonder kid from West London was catapulted into the spotlight last year during the Men’s Euros in 2021, but tragically became the victim of online racist abuse after he missed a penalty in the final against Italy.
Saka has bounced back, proving to fans he more than deserves his spot in the England squad at the Qatar World Cup. He took his place in the starting XI in England’s opening match against Iran and ended the match with two goals and a Player of the Match award.
Where did England’s Bukayo Saka go to school?
Saka attended Edward Betham Primary School and then Greenford High School.
He left school with excellent GCSE grades: Four A*s and three As. Assistant head teacher at Greenford, Mark Harvey, told Sky Sports that Saka was ‘a role model of a student.’
Harvey said: ‘A lovely and respectful lad with a really nice attitude. He just carried himself in such a nice way.’
At school, Saka unsurprisingly enjoyed playing football, and his primary school team was the first to win the Peal Shield, which they won twice while he was a pupil there.
Saka also won another football competition when he was at secondary school, showing his talent on the pitch has always been prevalent.
Where is Saka from?
Saka is from Ealing, West London. His local football team growing up was Greenford Celtic, which is where he started out his career in football.
At first, Saka was told that the team was full but, after seeing Saka’s talent during training, the coach made space for him in the club.
From here, Saka went on to Watford as this was the big club closest to him. The young player then signed at Arsenal and has been there ever since.
Just after turning 17, Saka was given a place in Freddie Ljungberg’s U23s at Arsenal, and started seeing success in England’s junior sides.
Saka explained that his passion for football is what has driven him to this point in his career.
‘I always loved football and I think when you’re young, every kid loves football but as you grow up, you see it get more and more serious,’ Saka said.
‘So I think because I had that love for the game, I was willing to do the serious things I needed to make it one day and achieve my dream.’