Bukayo Saka (PC: ESPN)
Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has spoken with pride about his Nigerian heritage, crediting the cultural values of his Yoruba parents for shaping his character and approach to life.
Born in London to Nigerian parents, Saka has consistently embraced his dual heritage, describing it as central to his personal values and worldview.
In an interview with the BBC’s new series The Football Interview, Saka reflected on the influence of his background, noting how the principles instilled by his parents continue to guide him on and off the pitch.
“My name is Bukayo Moses Ayoyinka Temidayo Saka. I am very proud of it. Both my parents grew up in Nigeria, so many of their values have been instilled in me,” he said, explaining the significance of his full Yoruba name.
His first name, Bukayo, translates as “adds to happiness”, a meaning he carries with pride.
Saka’s heritage is firmly rooted in Yoruba culture. His mother, Adenike, is from Ijomu-Oro in Kwara State, while his father, Yomi, hails from Ogun State.
The England international has visited his grandparents in Kwara, strengthening his bond with his family’s homeland.
Reflecting on his upbringing, Saka described daily routines from his childhood, recalling breakfasts prepared by his parents and the supportive environment in which he grew up.
“Being at home I just remember, obviously, waking up, we’d have breakfast. My mum would normally have gone to work, my dad was always around. And if he had to go to work, it was just me and my brother, but they’d always leave us breakfast. Hot cross bun, sausage, like a sausage cut up,” Saka said.
He also highlighted his academic aptitude, noting he was a quick learner at school and achieved strong GCSE results, with approximately four A stars and four As.
“I was quite bright at school. I felt I was able to take the information on quite quickly. I was good at understanding it, all the different subjects that they were explaining and teaching. So, yeah, I would say I was a good learner.”
The winger credits many aspects of his discipline, humility, and professionalism to the traditional Nigerian values passed down by his parents, which he says remains central to his identity.
