Bukayo Saka is one of several young English players set to light up the 2022 FIFA World Cup, but in the eyes of everyone across the globe, the Arsenal sensation is already a class act!
And this isn't solely due to his brilliance on the pitch. Ahead of England's opening game vs Iran on November 21, an inspirational story involving the 21-year-old Emirates Stadium ace has emerged.
Bukayo, whose parents are Yoruba, collaborated with youth charity BigShoe to help change the lives of over 100 children in Nigeria. As per the Daily Mail, Saka aided 120 kids from the city of Kano to receive crucial medical procedures.
The operations, which took place last month, were aimed at children struggling with inguinal hernias or brain tumors. The winger, who could start for the Three Lions in their first group stage fixture, has opened up about this lovely act of philanthropy, with the Hale End academy graduate discussing his connection with his parents' home country and the joy of helping those less blessed than him.
"I feel blessed to be in a position where I can contribute to making the children's lives easier and better through these surgeries.
"I still feel very connected to Nigeria. For me, it is very important to use my abilities to have a positive impact where I can and I have to say a big thank you to the whole BigShoe team for making this possible.
"For me it is important that every child has the same opportunity to achieve their dreams.
"If I can do anything to help then I really want to do this, it was very important to me. It makes me happy when I can see the kids happy and their parents happy.
"I want to do more and more and help as many children as I can."
Great stuff from @BukayoSaka87, who has teamed up with BigShoe to cover 120 life-changing operations for children in Kano, Nigeria.
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) November 17, 2022
Saka: "I feel blessed to be in a position where I can contribute to making the children's lives better through these surgeries." pic.twitter.com/MfEMpUomfL
And the best news: the operations, which were carried out by a team of five doctors in mid-October, were a success! It should be noted that Saka isn't the only Qatar 2022 star to partner with BigShoe as German defender Antonio Rudiger is also doing his part in making the world a better place.
The Real Madrid center-back has pledged to donate all of his FIFA World Cup earnings to children in Sierra Leone, his mother's home country. However, this isn't the first time – nor will it be the last – Rudiger helps the West African nation.
