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A Long Wait for Glory
Since the prestigious Ballon d’Or was first awarded in 1956, only four English players have had the honour of lifting the iconic golden ball. The list includes football legends such as Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan, and Michael Owen. This stark statistic highlights a long-standing gap in English football history, and many are now looking to young Arsenal star Bukayo Saka to change that.
Saka’s Rising Star
At just 23 years old, Saka has already made his mark on the international stage, securing spots in the Ballon d’Or top 30 for the past two years. He finished 24th in 2023 and climbed to 21st in 2024, showcasing his growth as a regular for the Three Lions and a standout performer in the Premier League.
Support from Fellow Players
Jorginho, Saka’s teammate at Arsenal and a former Ballon d’Or nominee himself, expressed his unwavering belief in Saka’s potential. “He is unbelievable… world class,” Jorginho said. “I want to see him win the Ballon d’Or.” His faith in Saka’s abilities is echoed by many fans and pundits who believe the young forward has what it takes to bring home the coveted award for England.
Recent Achievements
In this year’s Ballon d’Or, Jude Bellingham made headlines by finishing third, the first Englishman to achieve such a feat in 15 years. Bellingham’s remarkable debut season at Real Madrid—boasting an impressive tally of 23 goals and 13 assists—sets a high benchmark for Saka. To follow in Bellingham’s footsteps, Saka will need to maintain his form and add more trophies to his collection.
Consistency Is Key
Saka’s current season has been nothing short of spectacular. With five goals and ten assists in just 12 Premier League matches, he leads the assist charts across Europe’s top leagues, surpassing stars like Mohamed Salah and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal. His consistency on the pitch is becoming a hallmark of his career, and if he continues this trajectory, the Ballon d’Or may be within reach.
Room for Improvement
Despite his impressive performance, Jorginho believes there are still areas for Saka to enhance his game. He noted that Saka has improved in using both feet, but he urged him to find the hunger to get into goal-scoring positions more frequently. “I want to see headers from him,” Jorginho remarked. “It’s the little things that he’s missing.” Such insights from a seasoned player could help Saka refine his skills even further.
A Humble Attitude
Jorginho also plays a role in keeping Saka grounded. During training, he affectionately teases Saka with a Brazil-inspired nickname, ‘pesudo’, which translates to ‘big foot’. This light-hearted banter serves to remind Saka of the occasional slip-ups while also celebrating his immense talent. “He’s just an unbelievable player who is becoming like a machine for us,” Jorginho said, highlighting Saka’s work ethic and dedication.
The Future Looks Bright
As Saka continues to develop his game and rack up impressive statistics, the hope for an English Ballon d’Or winner grows stronger. His combination of skill, determination, and a supportive environment at Arsenal could be the perfect recipe for success. Fans are eager to see if he can break the 68-year drought and bring the iconic award home to England.
Cheering for Saka
With every match, Saka is not just playing for his club but also for a nation that has longed for a Ballon d’Or winner. His journey is one to watch, and with the right mindset and continued improvement, there’s a strong belief that he could soon join the ranks of England’s footballing elite.
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