Many people think he’s one of England’s best football players and has become the country’s “golden boy.”
And Bukayo Saka didn’t hold back on his late 23rd birthday parties. He rented out a restaurant in Mayfair, had some of the biggest rappers in the world perform, and told his Arsenal teammates that they’re finally going to win the Premier League twenty years after the last time they did.
Saka took over his favorite restaurant, the pan-African Stork, on Saturday night. He had just scored in the 88th minute to help Arsenal beat Southampton at the Emirates Stadium.
The skilled football player looked casual in jeans, a white T-shirt, and a light gray jacket. There were big black and gold balloons of his Arsenal teammates, his closest family and friends, and himself.
There were jerk chicken wings, jollof rice, and endless cocktails for the 60 people who came to celebrate his birthday.
Bukayo Saka celebrated his 23rd birthday on Saturday evening, hours after scoring the winning goal for Arsenal in the Premier League clash against Southampton (pictured)
Saka took over his favourite restaurant, pan-African venue Stork (pictured) in London’s Mayfair on Saturday evening
Saka, who turned 23 on September 5, danced with girlfriend Tolami Benson who wore an all-white off the shoulder dress, whilst a saxophonist played for the group.
British rapper Dave, 26, a long-standing friend of Saka’s, performed an exclusive set featuring one of his most well songs, Location.
And singer Wizkid, 34, was also in attendance to perform and celebrate the special evening with the Arsenal and England winger.
A dedicated Gunners fan, Wizkid is said to be good friends with Saka having been seen after matches with the footballer.
A three-tiered birthday cake covered in black icing and decorations was also brought out in honour of the birthday boy.
Thankful for the turnout, Saka blew out the sparklers and gave a speech, thanking his friends, family and teammates for coming.
‘I want to thank Santan Dave, he put on a great performance for all of us,’ Saka said. ‘I am going to start with my team, I spend every day with you guys, sometimes too much time but honestly, I love you all.
‘I love all of you guys and I appreciate you coming. This year, I really believe we’re going to win the league.’
Saka’s girlfriend Tolami Benson (pictured) in attendance at the star-studded party in London over the weekend
British rapper Dave (pictured), a long-standing friend of Saka’s, performed an exclusive set featuring one of his most well songs, Location
He added: ‘The girlfriends, the wives, all of the friends that came, you guys are even more special. I see the smile that everyone comes in with. I am incredibly grateful for you as well.
‘My family as well, my cousins my brothers, I love you. You guys mean everything to me.
‘Thank you everyone for making tonight special for me and let’s enjoy the rest of the night.’
Saka’s Arsenal teammates Jorginho, 32 and Thomas Partey, 31, were also at the event, as was his brother Yomi.
Mayfair restaurant Stork has been a long favourite of the forward.
Known to have eaten there many times before, it’s also a favourite of Rapper Stormzy’s after he filmed his music video for his song Longevity Flow there in 2023.
Just last week club legend Thierry Henry (pictured, left) revealed that he didn’t rate Saka while he was in Arsenal’s academy
Arsenal star Saka celebrated his birthday belatedly after turning 23 on September 5
The venue suited the evening, decked out with decorations, gold wallpaper and dark brown furnishings.
On the walls hang pictures of Mohammed Ali, traditional artwork and flat screen TV’s.
A DJ booth was occupied whilst the whole group danced around the room with canapés and food being served throughout the night.
His celebrations at the weekend came as Arsenal beat Southampton 3-1 with Saka scoring in the 88th minute at home.
Just last week club legend Thierry Henry, 47, revealed that he didn’t rate Saka while he was in Arsenal’s academy.
He has since become one of Arsenal’s most important players and was on the score sheet for the Gunners, having been at the club since he was seven years old, and worked his way through the academy age groups before becoming a senior member of the squad.
The golden boy of England, Saka has amassed 42 caps for the national team so far, with a return of 12 goals in total for his country
Speaking on CBS Sports’ Champions League coverage last week, Henry discussed Saka’s rise through the ranks and how he views him as a somewhat late bloomer in the game.
‘I saw him at the academy and I didn’t think he would be that good,’ Henry said. ‘I’ll be honest with you. When you work, you have that work ethic, and you have a good family behind you, it’s very important.
‘He makes the job easier for everyone.’
Saka has made 235 appearances for Arsenal to date, netting 60 goals since making his full first team debut in late 2018.
The golden boy of England, Saka has amassed 42 caps for the national team so far, with a return of 12 goals in total for his country.