Bukayo Saka celebrates his 23rd birthday with teammates at Mayfair restaurant hours after scoring the winning goal for Arsenal - and vows club WILL end its 20-year wait for Premier League trophy this season
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He's become the nation's golden boy and is widely recognised as one of England's finest footballers.
And Bukayo Saka didn't hold back for his belated 23rd birthday celebrations as he hired out a Mayfair restaurant, had some of the world's biggest rappers perform and reassured his Arsenal teammates that they’re finally going to win the Premier League, twenty years after they last did it.
Coming straight from the pitch after scoring in the 88th minute to help Arsenal beat Southampton at the Emirates Stadium, Saka took over his favourite restaurant, pan-African venue Stork, on Saturday evening.
Filled with large black and gold balloon displays, his Arsenal teammates and his closest family and friends, the talented footballer looked relaxed in jeans, a white T-shirt and a light grey jacket.
Jerk chicken wings, jollof rice and unlimited cocktails were all on offer to the 60–strong group who came to celebrate his special day.
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.
