Bukayo Saka's status as one of Arsenal's crown jewels is undisputed, but the origins of his regal connection to the club stretch back to a humble childhood trial, where a bold nickname on his back hinted at the greatness to come.
The 'King Kayo' Trial That Started It All
In a revealing interview with the Men in Blazers Media Network, Saka shared a pivotal childhood memory. At just seven years old, arriving for a trial at Arsenal's famed Hale End academy, he wore a personalised shirt bought by his father, Yomi. Emblazoned across the back was the nickname 'King Kayo'. The young Saka felt apprehensive about the audacious statement. "I didn't know whether I wanted to wear it or not because it was a trial and you don't want to turn up with 'King' on your back," Saka admitted.
His father's belief was unwavering. "But my dad pushed me and said, no, believe in yourself. Go for it," Saka recalled. Heeding that advice, the future star wore the shirt, and once he started playing, the self-consciousness faded. "After a while, when you're playing football, you forget about it anyway." His father's instinct proved prophetic. Saka, now 24, has ascended to become one of Arsenal's most vital players, already sitting in the club's all-time Premier League top ten goal scorers.
From 'Mr Nice Guy' to On-Pitch Assassin
Despite his boyish grin and reputation as one of football's genuine nice guys, Saka possesses a fierce competitive drive. Arsenal legend Cesc Fabregas once labelled him "a bit of a bluffer," explaining: "He makes opponents think he's too nice but when he's on the pitch he's a different animal." Saka agrees, drawing a clear line between his off-pitch demeanour and his match-day mentality.
"There's a fine line between being nice and wanting to win," Saka stated. "You can't be nice at the detriment of winning. When you get on to the pitch, it's a battle. You against me. When I am in daily life, I am not battling anyone so I don't need to be how I am on the pitch." This duality has helped him navigate immense pressure, including horrific racial abuse after the Euro 2020 final and the weight of Arsenal's recent title challenges.
Henry's Guidance and Loving the Game
To hone his craft and mentality, Saka credits the guidance of another Arsenal icon: Thierry Henry. "The past few years telling me different things and helping me on and off the pitch, how to deal with certain things," Saka said. He marvels at Henry's aura: "Confidence and belief on the pitch, that's what he had in abundance, he almost put fear into the defenders without even touching the ball."
Amidst the noise of modern football, Saka's pure love for the game remains his anchor. He finds joy in simple pleasures, even ranking seeing his face on a Nando's PERi-PERi Saka sauce bottle as a quirky career highlight. "The day I don't want to watch football, I don't want to talk to my friends about football, that would be the day where I start to sense I don't really love football anymore," he reflected. "That day hasn't come and I don't think it will." For Arsenal fans, that enduring passion, first signalled by a 'King Kayo' shirt, promises more royal performances for years to come.
