Arsenal sensation Bukayo Saka has been honored as the England men’s player of the year for the second consecutive season, as officially announced by the English Football Association on Tuesday. This accolade underscores his remarkable contributions to the national squad throughout the 2022-23 campaign.
Amid fierce competition, the Three Lions faithful cast their votes, catapulting the 22-year-old Arsenal winger to the summit of excellence for the 2022-23 season. Saka’s stellar performances edged out other top-tier talents, with Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane securing second and third places, respectively, in the prestigious race.
Saka, who initiated his international career with England in October 2020, notched up an impressive record, tallying seven goals in just 10 appearances for the national team over the past year. Among these accomplishments, his crowning achievement was the securing of his first career hat-trick during a spectacular 7-0 victory against North Macedonia at the legendary Old Trafford.
Currently boasting an impressive record of 11 goals in 28 caps for England, Saka continued his remarkable journey by netting three times during the 2022 Qatar World Cup. This included two pivotal goals in a resounding 6-2 victory over Iran during the opening group stage and another goal in the commanding 3-0 triumph against Senegal in the round of 16.
Saka’s moment of celebration unfolded at England’s training hub, St George’s Park, coinciding with his 22nd birthday. This joyous surprise capped off an outstanding season in which Saka had already been recognized as the PFA Young Player of the Season and had earned a coveted spot in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.
In an exciting development, the English FA has also announced that the recipient of the 2022-23 England Women’s Player of the Year award will be unveiled later in September. The anticipation is high, as the Lionesses made a thrilling run to the final of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, ultimately finishing as runners-up to a formidable Spanish squad.
Saka’s back-to-back accolades as England’s men’s player of the year reflect his growing stature on the international stage and provide ample promise for the future of English football.
