Saka Reveals Arsenal Secrets and His Latte Love: A Star Who Dreams Big

Inside Saka’s Arsenal Journey and Latte Ambitions

English star Bukayo Saka, captain of Arsenal, lifts the veil on many human and personal aspects of his football journey. He talks about his upbringing, his role with the Gunners, his future ambitions for club and country, and his surprising coffee passion.

Since joining Arsenal's academy at seven, Saka has become one of the team's brightest stars, playing 277 matches and scoring 76 goals, and he's one of the most beloved players among the Emirates faithful.

He helped Arsenal reach the 2019 Europa League final, then win the 2020 FA Cup, and played a significant part in England's run to the Euro finals in 2021 and 2024.

Today, the English international leads Arsenal under manager Mikel Arteta, sitting top of the Premier League with big hopes of finally lifting silverware since 2004. At the same time, the club is confident he can extend his contract.

In an interview with the BBC, Saka says football has been his 'only source of happiness' since childhood, insisting he could never picture himself doing anything else but playing.

He recalls childhood moments, saying he used to play in the back garden with his brother and father, two against one, and refused to lose, crying and getting angry whenever defeat happened.

He describes the first club he played for as Greenford Celtic, remembering the striped green jersey, cleaning his boots by banging them on trees after games, calling that phase a very important chapter in his life.

From his early years, he knew he had a special talent, but says he didn't think much about it, just enjoyed playing and being good, which made the game more fun.

He explains that the moment he realized Arsenal might be possible came when his father received a card from a club scout.

He says: I went to Hale End for my first trial, no fear. I told myself to play and enjoy. I delivered a fine performance with Arsenal's B team, then quickly promoted to the A team, and the story began. I was a kid; the decisions were made by my parents. My dad said: I want you to be at Arsenal. And I agreed immediately.

The reason his father favored the club was clear: trust in the academy, in Wenger's method at the time, and the clear path for young players to rise to the first team.

Saka says becoming an Arsenal player who loved the club since childhood was a dream realized. I used to go to the stands as a fan; today people watch me.

Saka recalls a pivotal academy moment when a coach told them that only one or two of you will reach the first team.

That line—hard as it is—fuelled Saka's resolve, and he said: I have to be me. There is no other option.

He notes that the support of senior players helped him settle into the first team, especially David Luiz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. They greeted him warmly; he was shy at first, but they gave him confidence, and their guidance showed in his form right away.

He says his full name carries Nigerian roots: I'm very proud of that. My parents' values and their way of life shaped a big part of who I am.

Away from football, Saka reveals a growing desire to spend time alone, especially in nature, with morning walks becoming part of his routine.

He also talks about a new hobby: he loves coffee. He is now learning how to make it, trying to draw shapes with milk; it's tougher than it looks.

Saka plans to take professional lessons to become a part-time barista.

According to Saka, last season's injury was a turning point that made him rethink his life. 'I was on auto-pilot—game, rehab, game. When you can't play for a month, you start seeing life beyond football. I learned balance matters'.

Nevertheless, Saka insists his love for the game hasn't changed, and his ultimate aim remains clear: I want to win all trophies with Arsenal and England.

Saka believes his character has clearly evolved: the young man you saw years ago is not the same person you see today—the maturity, experiences, and pressures shape him into a different person and player.

And despite the maturity, Saka keeps a light humor in the dressing room, concluding: Laughter and enjoyment are the most important things for me. This game should bring you happiness.

Punchline: If coffee fuels his game, Arsenal might start serving latte formation. Punchline 2: He trains by dribbling with a cup of coffee—getting his caffeine fix and his cross-bar espresso.